A SERMON Preached at the Parish Church of St. Martin's Ludgate, SEPT. 12. 1695. Before the Incorporated Society OF Apothecaries of London.  
By Nicholas Brady, M. A. Minister of St. Catherine Cree-Church, and Chaplain in Ordinary to His Majesty.  
Published at the Request of the Society.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Parker, at the Unicorn, under the Piazza of the Royal Exchange. 1695.   

To the Worshipful, the Master and Wardens, the Court of Assistants, Gentlemen of the Livery, and Freemen, of the Ingenious Society of Apothecaries of London.  
Gentlemen,  
THis discourse, as it was preached at your kind request, so it is now, however unfit for the general view, in compliance with your obliging importunity, made public: nor could I in justice refuse you the disposal of that, which was purposely composed for your entertainment. The subject of it, Unity, is (Blessed be God) as fully exemplified in your Society, as in any Corporation throughout the City; and therefore the motives to it, which the following discourse offers, are rather to be taken for  commendations of your laudable performance, than reflections or remembrancers for your omission of this Duty. That you may still continue eminently remarkable, for an intimate Union and agreement amongst yourselves, and influence others by your good Example, to the happy composing of all Divisions among them; shall be the constant hearty Prayer, of,  
Gentlemen, Your Obliged Servant, and Sincere Wellwisher, N. Brady.   
Psal. CXXXIII. 1, 2. 
1. Behold how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity!  
2. It is like the precious Ointment upon the head, which ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard that went down to the skirts of his garments.  
THere is nothing, in my opinion, in which the Wisdom of this City is more eminently conspicuous, nothing that more effectually contributes to the supporting of its grandeur, and to the maintenance of its prosperity, than the regular destribution of its several members into distinct Societies and Corporations: By this means, the peculiar conveniences of each are much better consulted, their various interests more closely united, and mutual offices of brotherly affection performed more frcquently and more easily, than if they were left after a loser manner, under the inspection only of a general Magistracy: For that, being obliged to have a public influence, and sustaining a character that is universal, cannot be supposed to pry so nicely into private concernments, to understand them so throughly, or to watch over them so successfully, as those, who acting in a narrower sphere, being qualified by Education, and engaged by Interest, are both enabled and concerned to promote the advantages of those particular Societies, whose Guardianships they manage, and of which themselves are incorporated members.  
'Tis in pursuance of this wise and commendable constitution, that the several members of this present Society, which justly deserves an honourable mention among the most eminent of this City, are this day unanimously assembled; and 'tis in conformity to a religious custom, of hallowing such meetings with a mixture of devotion, that we are assembled together in the house of God. Love, then, and Amity, and Brotherly kindness, have been your conductors to this place, and they are like to be your entertainment in it: Since nothing appears to me more natural, than upon the Prospect of an Assembly so cordially united, by all the bonds of interest and affection, to break out into the Psalmists rapturous exclamation, Behold, how good and pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in Unity! It is like the precious Ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's heard, that went down to the skirts of his garments!  
In my following discourse upon which words, I shall make use of this easy method.  
First, I shall examine the duty here enjoined, and press its practice, from such motives to it, as are contained in the words of my Text. Behold how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Vnit.  
Secondly, I shall consider the elegant allusion, which the Psalmist makes use of to illustrate and recommend it, and shall observe its agreeableness with the present occasion. It is like the precious Ointment upon the head, which ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard that went down to the skirts of his garments.  
First, then, I shall examine the duties here enjoined; and press its practice, from such motives to it, as are contained in the words of my Text. Behold how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity.  
Unity is that invisible band and cement of Souls, which makes the designs and interests of several persons, become inseparable, and of a piece; from hence results that agreeable Harmony of actions, which causes all their affairs to be amicably transacted, without any disorder or confusion: from this arises that complacency and satisfaction, which one takes in the advantages of another, which by this happy temper are made his own: This banishes all murmur and repine at the enjoyments of our neighbour, roots out all dissensions and animosities, and introduces in their stead, an affectionate regard for the concernments of others, a tender fellow-feeling of their several conditions, and an industrious willingness to promote their happiness, and to consult it as carefully, as if it were our own This is that commendable disposition of mind, to which the Psalmist exhorts us in the words of my Text, where he advises us to dwell together in Unity; and wherein he recommends to us the practice of it, by these three considerable motives.  
1st. Upon the account of Duty.  
2dly. Of Interest.  
And 3dly, Of Pleasure  
1st then, The Psalmist exhorts us to dwell together in Unity, upon the account of our duty; and this seems couched in the word Brethren, behold how good and how pleasant it is, for Brethren to dwell together in Unity!  
The Relation of Brethren is so close and intimate, that we find it generally made use of to express the strictest tye of tenderness and affection; and Brotherly love throughout the whole Gospel, is used to signify the most perfect Union, attended with all offices of kindness and endearment: and therefore wherever this Relation is found love and agreement should be its necessary consequences; but the engagements of this nature are too numerous and too pressing, for us ever to be able to disentangle ourselves from them; every person in the Holy Trinity, seeming with a sort of Rivalship to contend, which shall lay upon us the strongest obligations, to dwell together in Unity, as Brethren.  
God the Father, who is the God of Unity and Love, being desirous to unite the whole race of mankind, in indissoluble bonds of Amity and Friendship, made at first of one blood all the nations of the earth; that by so near a relation he might fasten their affections, and tie and rivet them to one another: Thus we are all the children of one common parent, we are all the workmanship of one great Creator, and the equalcare of one watchful Providence; and therefore for us to be unwilling to perform mutual offices of love to one another, would appear as unreasonable and unnatural, as if the several branches of some large family, should refuse to keep up an amicable correspondence, and renounce all expressions of tenderness and affection: for such and so great is our obligation, jointly to consult one another's advantages, if we consider ourselves as Brethren by Creation.  
But farther, God the Son, the great Example and promoter of Union, when he perfected the work of our Redemption, did closely incorporate all his followers, and make them members of one mystical body: Thus all of us are bone of one another's bone, and flesh of one another's flesh; that so whether one of us suffer or be honoured, the rest of us might mourn or rejoice along with him: and therefore for some of us to divide ourselves from the rest, or to seem to be acted by different interests, is every whit as strange and unaccountable, as if the hand should refuse to provide for the belly, or the eyes deny to direct the feet; as if every member should set up for itself, and act independently from the others: For equal is the obligation that lies upon us to be mutually beneficial to one another; since we are all members of that body of which Christ is the head, and are most nearly related as Brethren by Redemption. But farther yet, God the Holy Ghost, who is the great inspirer of love and concord, and whose chief and peculiar employment it is, to advance the strict fellowship and communion of Saints, has united us more closely than into one Body, by joining us together in one Soul and Spirit: Thus all of us should be acted by the same affections, all of us should be sensible of the same impressions, and the same mind should be in every one of us, whether to will or to do: and therefore to estrange ourselves from one another, or to be unwilling to discharge due offices of affection, is a proceeding as preposterous and absurd, as if the Understanding should refuse to guide the Will, or the Judgement deny to give assistance to the Memory; as if some of the faculties of the soul should neglect to contribute to the advantages of the others: for no less binding is our obligation, to be mutually serviceable to one another, since we are all partakers of the same Spirit, and most strictly united as Brethren by Sanctification. Thus every person in the Blessed Trinity lays upon us a distinct and particular engagement, to be conversant in the duties of a Brotherly affection, twisting together a threefold cord of love, which the wise man tells us, is not quickly to be broken.  
These are those large and spreading obligations, by which we are engaged to live like Brethren, either as we are Men, or as we are Christians, or as we are influenced by the Spirit of God: but there are some additional considerations, of an extent more narrow and contracted, which give yet greater weight to the Psalmists exhortation, and more forcibly exact the performance of this duty; and that is, when particular persons have form themselves into one common Society; mutually covenanting with one another, hearty to promote each others advantages, and carefully to advance the interests of that Brotherhood: the several members of such a Body, have to their Natural and Spiritual affinity, superinduced a fresh Relation as civil Brethren; and therefore cannot transgress against this duty of dwelling together in Unity, without adding to the violation of their other obligations, the breach of their voluntary stipulation and agreement. And thus much shall suffice for the first motive to Unity laid down in the Text, which is drawn from the consideration of our duty, as we are Brethren.  
(2dly) A second motive which the Text affords us, is taken from the consideration of our true interest, Behold how good and how pleasant it is  
The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we render good, has a double signification, either of excellency or advantage; and which way soever we consider it, we shall find it our interest to be conversant in it; for as the meanest and most grovelling Souls will readily confess, that it is our interest to practise that, from whence we may reap some sensible advantage; so any generous Spirit will acknowledge, that it is our truest interest to be employed about that which is excellent in its nature.  
First then, it is our interest to dwell together in Unity, because it is a duty so excellent in its nature.  
When Brethren are acted by the same interests, and mutually animated with the same designs, they make that earthly society a transcript of heaven, and are possessed of a condition that is purely celestial: Those eternal mansions of peace and happiness are only filled with consenting minds, whose inclinations tend to the same object, who are ravished with the contemplation of each others felicity, and who rejoicing in the joy of their fellow-angels, multiply and increase their own enjoyments, by the share which they take in the happiness of others: and what greater excellency can humane nature aim at, than an exact resemblance to those Angelical beings? What exercise can appear more eminent or illustrious, than that which makes us live here like those blessed Spirits, and qualifies us hereafter for their society and conversation. For as this is the great entertainment of heaven, so it is the straight road that leads directly thither; our Saviour has assigned it as the character of his followers, the mark by which he has distinguished them from the rest of mankind: This is that livery of the Prince of peace, by which we are acknowledged to be of his family; by this (says he) shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another. This plains all the ruggedness and unevenness of our nature, and implants in us an obsiging benignity of mind; it roots out of our Souls those perverse principles of self-love and self-interest, and gives us in their room that Godlike quality, of being diffusive and communicative of good. Thus does this great and excellent duty dignify and exalt our corrupted nature, towards the ancient standard of its original perfection; nay, seems to advance it to a higher level, even to a partial resemblance of God himself, For God is Unity in its most absolute perfection. But  
Secondly, It is our interest to dwell together in Unity, because it is a duty so very advantageous.  
There is no part of our Christian duty, which reflects greater profit upon its practitioners, or pays their obedience with more advantages, than that which my Text recommends to our performance. Besides its conformity to the divine will, by which it qualifies for eternal rewards, it is attended with such blessings even in this life, as may powerfully enforce the practice of it. As dissension is the ruin of all Societies, so Union and agreement are the supporters of them: by this so many Kingdoms and Commonwealths have crept on from weak and inconsiderable beginnings, to the highest pitch of majesty and splendour; by this they have been raised, by this upheld; and when this has ceased, they have sunk down into destruction. By this, Men, who otherwise, like Bears and Tigers, would converse with fear, and at a distance, become not only useful and sociable Creatures, but so many Angels, ministering to the happiness of one another: If imminent dangers are to be resisted, united forces are best able to oppose them; if blessings are to be implored, or judgements deprecated, united prayers will intercede most successfully; if important designs are to be carried on, united counsels will complete them most effectually. How shall he fall, that has a multitude of supporters! or suppose he slip, how shall he be kept down, who has so many hands to lift him up again! Unity either obviates all inconveniences, or administers to them a speedy remedy; and therefore he that consults his own true interest, will be probably induced to be conversant in it, upon the account of its advantage. And thus much for the second motive to our performance of this duty, drawn from the consideration of our interest, because it is a good thing to dwell in Unity But  
(3dly) A third motive which the Text affords us, is borrowed from the consideration of our pleasure and satisfaction: Behold how good and how pleasant it is.  
No circumstances can be more desirable, no condition more alluring, than the calm estate of that happy man, who has made it his business to dwell in Unity. He enjoys all the advantages and satisfactions, which are possessed by those with whom he is united; He is enriched with their wealth, he is advanced with their honour, he is diverted with their pleasure, and becomes happy by their felicity: he is free from all that sowrness and bitterness of Soul, which palls the relish of the most eminent enjoyments, and dashes them all with gall and wormwood: Envy, that restless racking passion, is an utter stranger to his quiet breast, which is only ●●led with the blessed fruits of the spirit of Unity, Love and joy and peace. If he looks abroad, he views no objects, but such as administer to his satisfaction; he loves and is beloved with equal ardour; he studiously endeavours to promote the good of others, and sees them as eager in the advancement of his: if he turns his eyes into his own bosom, he sees nothing there but calmness and tranquillity; and finds within himself an abridgement of that happiness, which his darling (Unity) would settle in the world: There, as in a regular and affectionate society, no tumults or disorders are to be met with; there is no clashing of different interests, no violent engagements of contending passions, to disturb the native quiet of the place, and introduce disorders and confusions; but the superior powers rule easily, and the inferior ones obey willingly; and all things are managed with that agreeable sweetness, as sufficiently convinces the happy possessor of these advantages, how pleasant a thing it is to dwell in Unity. But the greatest and most solid satisfaction, which arises from the due performance of this duty, is yet behind; and that is, the assurance which such a man has, that while he is busied in so delightful an employment, he is also consulting his everlasting happiness; and recommends himself effectually to the favour of his God, while he makes himself thus easy to others and himself: That the pleasures which he now feels in the discharging of his duty, are but so many tastes and prelibutions of those raptures which shall reward it; and only prepare him for the fellowship of those United Souls, who in the presence of God, have fullness of joy, and at his right hand are possessed of pleasures for evermore. And thus much shall suffice for the third motive laid down for the performance of this duty, drawn from the consideration of its delightfulness; because it is a pleasant thing to dwell in Unity. I might here attempt to set off the great value of this duty, by reckoning up the inconveniences of the contrary Vice, and showing the ill effects of discord and division; but that I think it is lovely enough, considered in itself, and needs no foil, no Painters are of shades and darker colours, to give these lighter ones more briskness and vivacity: if the obligations of Duty, if the engagements of Interest, if the allurements of Pleasure, which use to be the strongest and most persuasive motives, can influence our Souls to the practice of any Virtue, they all appear in behalf of this: and oh! that all these considerations could work upon this whole Nation in general, and upon every one of us in particular, to be duly conversant in the performance of it! to lay aside all hatreds and animosities, all contrary designs of parties and of factions, and to be intimately sastened to one another, with the bands of amity and brotherly love! Then should we all be convinced, by an experience the surest and the happiest of any, how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in Unity; and the most lofty comparison would scarce seem sufficient to shadow forth the happiness of such a condition. And this leads me to the second General Head which I proposed to discourse upon, namely,  
Secondly, To consider that elegant allusion, which the Psalmist makes use of to illustrate this duty, together with its agreeableness to the present occasion. It is like the precious Ointment upon the head, which ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, and that went down to the skirts of his garments.  
And here, the first thing that seems worthy of our observation, in this elegant allusion of the Psalmist, is the value and excellency of that thing, to which he compares the Unity of Brethren. It is like the precious Ointment.  
This precious Ointment, to which the Psalmist alludes, was that which was prepared by God's express command, and set apart for the anointing of the Highpriest himself; together with such other persons and things, as were to be accounted most holy; it was not to be applied to any common use, under the severest and most heavy penalties; whosoever compounded any like it or whosoever put any of it upon a stranger, was even to be cut off from his people, as you may see at large in the 30th of Exodus. It was reckoned amongst the choicest and most estimable treasures; thus we are informed in the 39th of Isaiah, that when Hezekiah had received Ambassadors from Merodach-Baladan, King of Babylon, he shown them the house of his precious things, the Silver, and the Gold, and the Spices, and the precious Ointment: Nothing of low price was allowed of in its composition; but it was made up of the choicest and most costly ingredients, of pure Myrrh, sweet Cinnamon, sweet Calamus, Cassia, and oil-olive: such was the excellency of this precious Ointment, to which the Psalmist compares the Unity of Brethren; and it may suffice to convince us how venerable an Idea the Royal Prophet entertained of the eminency of that blessing, which he endeavours to illustrate by so valuable a comparison: Unity then, is indeed like this precious Ointment, with which only those are anointed whom God desings peculiarly to favour; it ought to be esteemed amongst our chiefest treasures, and find a place amongst our most valuable possessions; and its composition ought to be of such only who are qualified by their intrinsic value, and have a character of worth to recommend them. But  
2dly, Another thing observable in this Allusion, is the delightfulness of that thing, to which the Psalmist here compares the Unity of Brethren.  
If we will look back and consider the ingredients of which it was compounded, we shall find it made up of Perfumes and Oil; the former are proper to delight the senses not only of ourselves but of others too, by spreading abroad their grateful odour; the latter was made use of to refresh and exhilerate, to cause the face to shine, and to give a cheerful countenance: and therefore from the consideration of this we may infer how due a notion the Psalmist had, of that pleasure which resulted from the Unity of Brethren, by comparing it to that which was so very delightful: Unity then is indeed like an odorous Ointment, whose grateful sweetness entertains both ourselves and others; and whose balmly softness, not only spreads upon the face the joyful livery of mirth and cheerfulness; but fills the heart too (like the Oil of gladness) with a large measure of briskness and alacrity. And to these two qualities of this Ointment, its preciousness and delightfulness, the Psalmist undoubtedly refers in his character of Unity, when he tells us how good and how pleasant it is. But  
3dly, There is yet another thing observable in this Allusion and that is a description of the dissusiveness of this Ointment.  
We are told, that this precious Ointment, though it was poured upon Aaron's head, yet was it not confined wholly to that, but ran down upon his other parts, (his beard for instance); nor only so, but was communicated, in some measure, to such things as had the remotest relation to him, it went down even to the skirts of his garments. And this may serve to let us understand, how just an apprehension the Psalmist had, of the largeness and extensiveness of those benefits, which are the necessary consequences of this Unity of Brethren. Unity then is indeed like that precious Ointment, which, though it enriches the head, the uppermost and governing members, with the largest stock of refreshing moisture, though it imparts to them its most considerable advantages; yet has it a due and proportionable respect, to the benefit and interest of subordinate and inferiors one's, it runs down upon them also; nay, it has a regard even to all such as have any distant dependence upon them, and are therefore compared but to the skirts of their garments; and this consideration should have a double good effect; first, upon the superiors and governors in a Society; to inform them, that they must not think to engross to themselves the entire advantages of such a Union; that they have indeed a just pretention to those that are greatest and most considerable, but not so as to exclude their inferior brethren from such meaner benefits as are justly their right; but they ought to understand, that this precious Ointment is poured upon them, not to rest there and proceed no further, but to descend from them upon the rest of the Society. Secondly, This consideration should have a good effect upon such as are the inferior members. They ought to reflect how just it is, that there should be differences of advantages as well as of degrees, that a ruling member is worthy of double honour; and therefore should never repine nor murmur, that that is not poured immediately upon them, which is only designed to run down to them; but should rather rejoice, to see this precious Ointment shed largely upon their Governors, that so the greater proportion of it may descend upon themselves.  
And these are the things which seem most observable in this elegant allusion of the Psalmist, its excellency, its delightfulness, and the diffusiveness of its advantages.  
I shall conclude this discourse, by endeavouring to make out the agreeableness of this Allusion with the present occasion.  
As this Allusion, considered in its general extent, is justly applicable to any body of men, who are met together with amicable intentions, for the advancement of Unity and brotherly love; so, if we will examine it a little more particularly, we shall discover some circumstances which more nicely appropriate it to that worthy society of ingenious Artists, of whom the present assembly is principally composed. If we will look back to my former quotation, in Exod. 30. we shall find the precious Ointment which is mentioned in my Text, there termed an Ointment compounded after the art of the Apothecary; the Allusion (my brethren) is borrowed from your own calling, and therefore seems to enforce the duty which it resembles, more homely and pressingly upon yourselves: If therefore the justest comparison of brotherly love, be taken from your profession; let the highest example of it be made visible in your practice; let not the works of your vocation rise up in judgement agaïnst you, and upbraid you for neglecting the duty they represent; your constant employment reads a daily lecture to you of unity and love; and you will be wholly inexcusable if you attend not to its kind instructions. Let not then, I beseech you, a Society, so justly recommended to the good opinion of the world, by the worth and learning of its ingenious members; by the usefulness and honourableness of the Art it professes; by the importance of that end to which its studies are directed, (the preserving or restoring the greatest temporal blessing, Health;) Let not this (I say) be defective in the main qualification which can make it valuable as a Society, that of Unity or brotherly love: You are not only obliged to it, with the rest of mankind, as ye are men, with all professors of the Faith as ye are Christians, with the whole number of the elect, as influenced by God's Spirit; but as ye are a distinct corporation, who have entered into a covenant for the performance of this duty; and as ye are the particular Society of Apothecaries, out of whose profession it has pleased God to choose the most apposite similitude of an affectionate Unity. In order to engage you to it, be pleased to consider, that it is with lesser Societies as it is with Kingdoms, That which is divided against itself cannot stand: the most deserving persons are generally the objects of envy, and therefore this Society being made up of such, cannot be supposed to be exempted from it; It is not long since we have experienced the truth of this observation; and what so secure a defence against the envy and malice of others, as a happy Union amongst yourselves? The government of these Kingdoms has lately been pleased to fix a distinguishing mark of favour upon you; and it lies in your power to over pay this obligation, by setting an example of Unity and Concord to the whole Nation. Thus much I offer to your consideration, as you are a Society, a body of men; give me leave to add a word or two, as you are particular Members of a Society.  
We are told, in the composition of this precious Ointment, this Ointment compounded after the Art of the Apothecary, that all the ingredients were very valuable; each of them by themselves had an intrinsic worth, which made the Union of them be so very considerable: Let this, I entreat you, persuade every one of you, to qualify yourselves in your private capacities, with such peculiar virtues and abilities, as may make you both useful and worthy members of that Society, into which you are incorporated: Sometimes it is usual to mix together such Drugs as are of different and contrary natures, and some of them such as would be noxious of themselves, unless they were corrected by the wholesomeness of others; and this kind of prescription may do well for Physic, but will never serve to make up such an Ointment, as may fitly represent the Unity of brethren: all the Ingredients here should be of a salubrious nature, should have an amiable mixture of softness and of sweetness; since where the case is otherwise, and the dispositions turbulent, they are so far from being sit to advance the good of a Society, that they rather corrupt, and make it noisome; they resemble not the compounds of this precious Ointment, but are like the dead flies (of which the wise man speaks) that cause this precious Ointment, this Ointment of the Apothecaries, to send forth a stinking savour. Nulla est amicitia inter malos, says the Aphorism; I may add, nec inter male moratos; Friendship, the foundation of all Societies, is supported by Virtue, and by sweetness of temper; and the ill and ill natured are both excluded from it.  
Let this then be a caution to every one of you, to bring along with you upon all occasions, especially upon those wherein the Society is concerned, such easy and complying tempers of mind, such sound and unprejudiced designs and resolutions, of consulting the public good of the whole Corporation, rather than any narrow or contracted interests; as may fitly resemble you to those precious Ingredients, which God prescribed for the compounding of that Ointment, which was to be the Emblem of Unity and Love.  
May thus all of you in general, and each of you in particular, be conversant in all offices of brotherly affection; and by resembling your expressions of it, to the commendable qualities of your own precious Ointment, may you be sensible yourselves, and demonstrate to all others, How good and how pleasant a thing it is, for Brethren to dwell together in Unity.  
Consider what has been said and the Lord give you the will and the ability to practice.  
To God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, be ascribed all honour power might, majesty and dominion, henceforth and for evermore, Amen.  
FINIS.