The More Excellent Way to Edify the Church, Text (2 of 3)

The More Excellent Way to Edify the Church · Text (2 of 3)

p. 50In the third place I am to produce ſeveral reaſons why the Church ſhould be continually increaſing.

1. This increaſe is for the Fathers glory, the more Saints there are, God is honoured by the more; and the more any are Saints, he has ſtill the more glory from them. The ſtronger the members of Chriſt grow; their Faith in God is firmer, their fear more filial, they love him more with their heart, and Soul, and ſtrength, they walk more humbly with him: all which ſhews what right apprehenſions they have of him, and that they glorifie p. 51him as God, believing his preſence, power, mercy, truth and righteouſneſs. That our Lord might perſwade unto fruitfulneſs and increaſe, he ſayes Joh. 15. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, ſo ſhall ye be my Diſciples.

2. This increaſe of the Church is for the honour of Chriſt the Churches Head. The largeneſs of a Dominion, and the multitude of Subjects, is the honour of a Prince: The more ſincere Chriſtians there are, the Kingdom of our Lord is the more enlarged, and He himſelf is magnified the more. The Redeemer is glorified when the Everlaſting Goſpel runs; when his word which is the Scepter of his Kingdom is believed and obeyed: when Souls by whole multitudes come flocking to him, to be juſtified by his blood, ſanctified and healed by his grace, and ſaved to the uttermoſt. How was Chriſt honoured, when after the ten firſt Perſecutions the Roman Empire ſubmitted to the Faith, the Eagle gave way to the Croſs, and Conſtantine the Great threw down his Crown at the feet of the Lamb of God: Then was that Scripture ſignally fulfilled, though a further accompliſhment is ſtill to be expected, Iſa. 55. 5. Behold thou ſhalt call a Nation that thou knoweſt not, and Nations that knew not thee ſhall run unto thee, becauſe of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Iſrael, for he hath glorified thee.

p. 523. In this increaſe of the Church the operaetion of the Spirit is very illuſtrious. He wrought the miracles for the confirmation of the Goſpel, and made it at firſt to be entertained in the world. Wherever there is true Faith, it is of his beſtowing. Thoſe that are regenerated are ſaid to be born of the Spirit, Joh. 3. 6. The renewing of a Soul is of the Holy Ghost, Tit. 3. 5. All ſpiritual gifts, all true grace, all ſolid comforts are from the Spirit. The more therefore Light is ſpread, the more largely gifts are diſtributed, the more plentiful communication there is of grace, the more peace and joy abounds; the greater is the Spirits glory. The Nicene Creed calls the Spirit foreign, the Lord and Giver of life. Quot Membrae, tot Miracula; So many members as Chriſt has, ſo many miracles there are of the Spirits working; for he has raiſed them all to life, who were once dead in ſins and treſpaſſes as well as others.

4. This Increaſe is for the Churches advantage, therefore it ſhould be endeavoured. 'Tis matter of joy and praiſe to Saints, to behold ſinners converted and ſanctified, to ſee Prodigals coming to themſelves, and coming home to their Fathers Houſe; to ſee ſtrangers and forreigners made fellow-Citizens with the Saints, and of the Houſhold of God, Eph. 2. 19. And when theſe Saints perceive, that more of light is imparted to themſelves, and that they are filled p. 53fuller with the fruits of righteouſneſs which are by Jeſus Chriſt, to the Glory and praiſe of God; they muſt needs apprehend this to be for their profit, if the trueſt riches may be called gains, and Pearls of the greateſt price be of any value.

5. The World is benefited by the Churches increaſe. Not a Soul gathered out of the World, but ſomething is ſecured of greater value than the World. If a City were on fire, and burning apace to the ground, the more perſons are ſaved, the more Goods are ſecured, the greater kindneſs is done to that City; becauſe theſe Perſons, theſe Goods eſcape the fury of the flames. Sin is ruining the World apace; but all that in time come out from the World, and touch not the unclean thing, and are incorporated into the Church of Chriſt; are ſafe as in a Sanctuary, ſhall be delivered from the common deſtruction, and ſcape the vengeance of eternal fire, in which all the wicked muſt burn for ever.

6. The Angels themſelves are concerned at the increaſe of the Church. The Apoſtate Ones are confounded, when by all their ſubtilty and ſtrength they are not able to hinder the increaſe of Chriſts Government; nay, that they are ſo over-ruled, that they are made to promote his Kingdom by thoſe very means which were deſigned to overthrow it. And the Elect Angels are affirmed to rejoyce at the Repentance and Converſion p. 54of a Sinner: Luk. 15. 10. Likewiſe I ſay unto you, there is joy in the preſence of the Angels of God over one ſinner that repenteth. And if they are ſo glad at the Converſion of one, what an acceſſion would it be to their joy, to behold thouſands and millions, added to the Church of Chriſt! 'Tis pleaſing to the Angels to behold peace on Earth, and Gods good-will expreſſing it ſelf in the Salvation of Men, Luk. 2. 14. and upon this account they cry, foreign, Glory be to God in the higheſt.

The Application follows.

USE 1. Of Reproof to them that hinder the Churches increaſe. The furtherers of it I am ſure are few, the hinderers many; therefore the more are concerned in the Reprehenſion.

1. Enemies without endeavour with might and main to hinder the increaſe of the Body of Chriſt. They hate the light, and would fain hinder it from ſhining; they are grieved that Jeſus is preached, are angry as well as grieved; for they are unwilling his Subjects ſhould become numerous. The World upon this account raiſes Perſecution; and how many at ſuch a time do fall away! Mat. 13. 21. Cyprian laments the preſſure of that Perſecution which had ſo wofully waſted the Flock he was over; and ſayes that poſiti erant inter plangentium ruinas, & timentium reliqutas; inter numeroſam languentium ſtragem, p. 55& exiguam ſtantium paucitatem. L. 4. Ep. 4. Many were ruined, the reſt feared, the Church languiſhed; and few did ſtand againſt ſo furious an aſſault. We have large Martyrologies; but if all Apoſtates were regiſtred, how vaſt would be the Catalogues of them! 'Tis well Tribulation laſts but ten dayes, a ſhort time; elſe the World might tread the Church under. But the Worlds rage is without reaſon, againſt the Church of Chriſt, which will do no harm, and deſires to do the World the greateſt kindneſs.

2. Hypocrites within are to be reproved, for they hinder the Churches increaſe; fitly compared to Vipers, which are ſaid to eat the bowels in which they were bred. Our Lords anger is very hot, and his words ſharp againſt Hypocrites, Mat. 23. 13. For they ſhut up the Kingdom of Heaven againſt men; they refuſe to go in themſelves, neither ſuffer they them that are entring to go in. They profeſs high, but when they fall, and notoriouſly diſcover their unſoundneſs, they wound the reputation of Religion, unto the Churches grief and diſadvantage, and the hardning of the Ungodly in their wickedneſs; their Convictions hereby being quite and clean extinguiſhed.

3. The Churches increaſe is likewiſe hindred by imprudent Members. Such are not ſo careful to avoid appearances of evil themſelves; and they blaze abroad the Infirmities of others, p. 56which love ſhould find a Mantle to cover; nay many times they hear and report the moſt errant lies and ſlanders, whereby not only the Perſon ſlandered, but likewiſe Religion and the Church ſuffers. Theſe fools deſerve to be laſh'd ſeverely for their inconſiderate talkativeneſs, and uncircumſpect walking: And they ſhould remember, that the Diſciples of Chriſt are to be wiſe as Serpents, and harmleſs as Doves, Mat. 10. 16.

4. Erroneous Members and Church-dividers are deeply guilty of hindring the increaſe of the Church. Errour has a natural tendency to diviſion; for they that ſpeak perverſe things, endeavour to draw away Diſciples after them, Act. 20. 30. And Diviſion is a grand Impediment to edification. The Church of Chriſt after the giving of the Spirit on the day of Pentecoſt, did grow exceedingly; and one reaſon was, becauſe the Multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, and of one ſoul; Act. 4. 32. But diviſion weakens the Churches ſtrength, and turns her own Members againſt her, by turning them one againſt another. The Apoſtle ſeverely rebukes the Corinthians upon this ſcore, 1 Cor. 3. 3. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and ſtrife, and diviſions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? q. d. This unpeaceable and dividing temper makes you act not not like Members of Chriſt, but like Men of the World, whom Chriſt bids his Diſciples to beware p. 57of, as Enemies to his Intereſt and Kingdom. Indeed the Corruptions of others are not to be approved; yet what is good and ſound is to be own'd; and we are to be taken with the Image of Chriſt in whomſoever we ſee it ſhining.

5. Slothful, unfaithful, proud and ſelfiſh Pa…tours deſerve as ſharp a rebuke as any, becauſe the Churches increaſe is hindred by theſe with a witneſs. Such ſeek their own things, not the things of Chriſt; their own profit, not the profit of many that they may be ſaved. 'Tis ordinary with them, to make the heart of the righteo… ſad, whom God has not made ſad, and to strengthen the hands of the wicked, that he ſhould not return from his wicked way, by promiſing him life ▪ Ezek. 13. 22. The Prophet propheſies ſharply againſt the Shepherds of Iſrael, Ezek. 34. 2, 3. 4. Woe to the Shepherds of Iſrael who feed themſelves, not the flock. The diſeaſed have ye no… strengthened; neither have ye healed that which was ſick; neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away; neither have ye ſought that which was lost: but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. Now if the flock be thus neglected, 'tis likely to be leſſen'd, and the Church to be brought very low. Oh dreadful account that ſuch Paſtours have to give both of themſelves and of the flock, unto the Great Shepherd, at the laſt day!

p. 58USE II. Of encouragement unto the Church of Christ notwithstanding her Imperfection. Her Spirit ſhould not ſink into deſpondency becauſe perfection is not yet attained to; but ſeveral truths may be offer'd as grounds of ſupport.

1. That Righteouſneſs which is imputed to the Church of Chriſt is perfect. Though their Faith, though their evangelical obedience be imperfect, yet the Righteouſneſs of Chriſt, which their faith layes hold on is every way compleat. The obedience of one, that is the Son of God, is ſufficient to make many righteous though never ſo many do believe, Rom. 5. 19. By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are ſanctified, Heb. 10. 14. The Apoſtle indeed is aſhamed of his own Righteouſneſs, and afraid to be found in it, and deſires to be found in Chriſt, and that he might have on that Righteouſneſs which is of God by faith. The obedience and ſufferings of Chriſt are the Righteouſneſs imputed to them that believe; and 'tis called the Righteouſneſs of God, becauſe God contrived it, and accepts it; and Chriſt who obeyed and ſuffered, is not only man but over all God bleſſed for ever. Chriſt has done and ſuffered enough to ſatisfie divine juſtice, to ranſom and ſave ſouls; and to obtain eternal Redemption for us: and here is a firm ground for the Churches conſolation.

2. The Sins of the Churches Members are all p. 59pardon'd; not ſo much as one is unforgiven; Col. 2. 13. Having forgiven you all treſpaſſes. Pſal. 103. 12. As far as the Eaſt is from the Weſt ſo far hath he removed all our tranſgreſſions from us. Ʋxori lis non intenditur. The Church is eſpouſed to Chriſt, and he has ſatisfied the Law and Juſtice for all her offences: it may joyfully be ſaid therefore, There is no condemnation to them that are in Chriſt Jeſus, Rom. 8. 1. Her Head and Husband having paid the Churches debts; payment from her is not expected, ſhall not be demanded.

3. Though the Churches members are imperfect, yet the leaſt degree of true grace ſhall be owned. The ſmalleſt Stars are Stars, and are fixt in Heaven as well as the greateſt. The weakeſt Saints are Saints, and as ſuch ſhall be regarded. 'Tis ſaid of Chriſt, He ſhall feed his flock like a Shepherd, he ſhall gather the Lambs with his Arm, and carry them in his boſom, Iſa. 40. 11. The feebleſt of Chriſtians ſtan… in need of cheriſhing, and they ſhall have …hat they need. Our Lord will not break the bruiſed reed; nor quench the ſmoaking flax; untill he ſends forth judgment unto victory, Mat. 12. 20.

4. The Church of Chriſt notwithſtanding her imperfection, is in a ſafer ſtate than Adam was in Innocency. The Union between his Creator and Him, was not ſo indiſſoluble as the Union between Chriſt and true Believers. Life was promiſed to him upon condition of his perſeverance p. 60in obedience, but he had not a Promiſe of Grace to make him perſevere: But the Saints have ſuch a Promiſe; God has ſaid. He will put his fear in their Hearts, that they ſhall not depart from him, Jer. 32. 40. That he will ſtrengthen and uphold them with the right hand of his righteouſneſs, Iſa. 41. 10. That none ſhall pluck them out of the hand of Chriſt, nor out of the Fathers hand, who is greater than all, Joh. 10. 28, 29. That nothing ſhall be able to ſeparate them from the love of God which is in Chriſt Jeſus their Lord, Rom. 8. ult. Adam was intruſted with a Treaſure in his own keeping; but he loſt it, and beggar'd himſelf and his whole Progeny: Believers therefore are not thus truſted; both themſelves and their Treaſure are in the hands of him that is able to ſave to the uttermoſt, and ſo both are ſecured: Their life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3. 3.

USE. III. Of Advice unto the Church of Chriſt, and all her true Members.

1. Let their imperfection keep them humble. There is not a Soul without a ſtain, nor a Grace without a mixture, nor a Duty without a failing, nor a Saint without ſome ſin remaining. All therefore, nay, the very beſt of all, have reaſon to be low in their own eyes. The more humble we are, the more our hearts are ſuited to our preſent imperfect ſtate; and the p. 61more of Gods reviving Preſence, notwithſtanding our imperfection, will be vouchſafed. For, thus ſaith the High and Lofty One, who inhabiteth Eternity, whoſe Name is holy; I dwell in the high and holy place; with him alſo that is of a contrite and humble Spirit, to revive the ſpirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones, Iſa. 57. 15.

2. Let the Churches Members hunger and thirst after a greater meaſure of righteouſneſs. Thoſe that to do ſo, are bleſſed, for they ſhall be filled, ſayes he in whom all Fulneſs dwells, Mat. 5. 6. This is an hunger truly ſacred, that never ends in ſtarving, but in ſatisfaction. We ſhould long more for the Waters of Life; the Soul ſhould thirſt more vehemently for the living God, deſiring to behold his glory, and to be changed more fully into his glorious Image. Such kind of deſires widen the Souls capacity, and make it meet for a larger participation both of Grace and comfort.

3. Let the Church believe and long for that enlargement and glory that is promiſed in the latter dayes; but eſpecially to be tranſlated unto thoſe Manſions above, which her Head is gone to prepare for her. Let her long that her Warfare may be well accompliſhed, her courſe faithfully finiſhed, and the Crown of Life and Righteouſneſs received: And to this end, let all her Members tear the Air, and pierce the Heavens with their cryes; Come Lord Jeſus, come quickly, p. 62Rev. 22. 20. Thus, of the Second Propoſition; That the Body of Chriſt is imperfect in this World, and therefore continually ſhould be encreaſing.

Propoſit. III. The Third Propoſition follows; That the Body of Chriſt ſhould diligently endeavour the edifying of it ſelf. Before the Apoſtle had uſed the Metaphor of a Body; now he uſes another Metaphor of an Edifice or Building. The Church is to edify it ſelf, but the Power to do this is from God; and her Lord, who acts and ſtrengthens her in this action, lays a juſt claim to all the glory. The Church is an Edifice, or an Houſe, but a Spiritual one; therefore called a Temple. Eph. 2. 21, 22. In whom, that is, Chriſt, all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord: In whom you alſo are builded together for an habitarion of God through the Spirit. This Temple is holy, for God hath ſet apart ſuch as are godly for himſelf: The Stones are lively, for all Saints are quickened, to live to God, and act for him. In this Temple Sacrifices are offered, but they a…e ſpiritual; Prayers, Praiſes, other Duties, and the Heart of him that performs them. And though theſe Sacrifices are never ſo ſpiritual, yet they are not accepted upon their own account, but they are acceptable unto God throug… Jeſus Chriſt, 1 Pet. 2. 5.

p. 63In the further handling of this Propoſition, I ſhall Firſt, Shew upon what foundation the Church is to Edify it ſelf. Secondly, To what end this Edification muſt be. Laſtly, Make Application.

In the firſt place I am to ſhew, upon what foundation the Church is to edify it ſelf.

1. The Knowledge of God is ſtyled a Foundation. 2 Tim. 2. 19. Nevertheleſs the foundation of God ſtandeth ſure, having this Seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. God has from eternity foreknown and choſen his Church in Chriſt, that ſhe ſhould be holy and without blame before him in love, Eph. 1. 4. This is a Foundation laid before the Foundation of the World; and will endure infinitely longer than the World ſhall. The Churches Members ſhould give all diligence to make their calling and Election ſure; for if they do theſe things, they ſhall never fall, but an abundant entrance ſhall be adminiſtred to them into the everlasting Kingdom, 2 Pet. 1. 10, 11. Now Election is made ſure by hearkening to, and obeying the call of the Goſpel, and departing from Iniquity.

2. Christ the Rock, is called a Foundation, 1 Cor. 3. 11. Other Foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jeſus Christ. Though he was ſet at nought by the Jewiſh builders, yet he is the head Stone of the Corner; neither is there Salvation in any other. The Churches Faith muſt p. 64be firmer in Chriſt; her hope in him more and more abundant; and ſhe may build without fear; for the Foundation will never fail the Superſtructure.

2. The Doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets is alſo ſtyled a Foundation, Eph. 2. 20. Both were inſpired by the Holy Ghoſt; and the harmony and agreement between Apoſtles and Prophets, between the Old Teſtament and the New, makes the Foundation more ſure. The Church, that ſhe may edifie her ſelf, is to eye the Scripture; then ſhe will build according to the right rule. Ʋnwritten Traditions that would impoſe upon her Faith what the Scripture has not revealed, are to be rejected; and that light within that would lead her away from the written Word, is no more to be followed than a fooliſh Night-fire. If ſhe has Scripture for her Faith and Practice, ſhe has good ground for both; and both may be juſtified before the Judge of all the World.

4. Obedience and good Works are called a Foundation. 1 Tim. 6. 19. Laying up in ſtore for themſelves a good Foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on Eternal life. This is done by doing good, by being rich in good works. Though good works are not meritorious, for Eternal Life is the Gift of God; yet they are neceſſary to evidence out Faith, and that the Promiſes may be fulfilled ▪ Glory and Immortality is promiſed to them who p. 65by patient continuance in well-doing ſeek for it, Rom. 2. 7. He builds firm, that builds his houſe upon a Rock; and he builds thus, who hears the Words of Christ, and does them: But he that hears, and does them not, is a fooliſh man, and builds his houſe upon the ſand; and when the rain deſcends, and the winds blow, and the floods come, and beat upon his houſe, it will fall, and great will be the fall of it, Mat. 7. 24, 25, 26, 27.

In the ſecond place I am to tell you, to what end this Edification of the Church muſt be.

1. The Church muſt Edifie it ſelf, that it may grow Stronger. The ſtronger her Faith is, the more will ſhe Glorifie that God in whom ſhe believes: Rom. 4. 20. 'tis ſaid of Abraham; He ſtaggered not at the Promiſe of God through Ʋnbelief, but was ſtrong in Faith, giving glory to God. The ſtronger her Love, the more it will conſtrain her to labour in her Lords work, and caſt out the fear of ſuffering for his ſake; for a ſtrong love is ſtronger than Death, and has a moſt vehement flame; many waters cannot quench it, neither can the floods drown it, Cant. 8. 6, 7.

2. The Church muſt Edifie it ſelf, that it may become Larger. Prayer ſhould be inſtant and conſtant, and pains ſhould be taken both by Paſtors and People, and Godlineſs ſhould be both in Form and Power, that ſo the Mountain of the Houſe of the Lord, may be eſtabliſhed in the top p. 66of the Mountains, and exalted above the Hills, and all Nations may flow unto it, Iſa. 2. 2.

3. The Church muſt Edifie it ſelf, that it may become more Beautiful and Glorious. The great day of the Churches publick Marriage to the Lamb, is approaching; how careful ſhould ſhe be to cleanſe and adorn her ſelf, that ſhe may be found of him, in Peace without ſpot and blameleſs, 2 Pet. 3. 14. This Beauty and Glory which the Church is to endeavour after, and to long and hope for, you have deſcribed Rev. 21. 9, 10. Come hither, and I will ſhew thee the Bride, the Lambs Wife: And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high Mountain, and ſhewed me that great City the holy Jeruſalem, deſcending out of Heaven from God, having the Glory of God; and her light was like unto a ſtone moſt precious, even like a Jaſpar-ſtone, clear as Chryſtal, the walls were high, the twelve Gates were all Pearls, the Street of the City was pure Gold, as it were tranſparent glaſs: and I ſaw no Temple therein, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it: And the City had no need of the Sun, neither of the Moon to ſhine in it, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. What is the glory of Solomons Kingdom or Temple, or of the whole World, if compared with the Beauty of the new Jeruſalem, which the moſt valuable things in nature, as Gold and Jewels, are uſed to ſet forth, but fall exceeding ſhort of what they ſignifie?

p. 67I ſhall now make a brief Application.

USE I. It is matter of great Lamentation, that the Church at preſent is ſo far from Edifying of it ſelf, that 'tis doing quite the contrary; 'tis about to be Felo de ſe, to deſtroy and to pull it ſelf down to the ground, if the God of Wiſdom, Love and Peace, do not hinder. The Poet lookt upon it as truly lamentable, that the Roman State was engaged in a Civil War where there could be no Triumph after Victory; that Pompey and Caeſar, both brave, both Roman Generals, ſhould fight ſo eagerly, ſo bloodily one againſt the other: but ſurely 'tis one of the ſaddeſt ſights in the World, to ſee the Members of the Body of Chriſt at variance, and biting and devouring, and doing that to one another, which the ſierceſt Perſecution was never able to effect. Alas for Wo! that the Church of Chriſt ſhould be militant, not only becauſe of her fighting with Enemies, but becauſe of the Diſcord among her own Members.

Suis & ipſa Eccleſia viribus ruit.

The Church employes her own force to her own ruine. Paſtours are ſet againſt Paſtours, Saints againſt Saints, Sermons againſt Sermons, nay, Prayers againſt Prayers, and Sion is become like a Babel of Confuſion!

—Quis talia fando

Temperet à lachrymis?—

Well may the Prophets words be here applyed, p. 68Ezek. 19. 14. This is a lamentation, and ſhall be for a lamentation.

USE II. Of Advice. Let the Churches Edification be minded: Let all ſtudy and follow the things that make for Peace, and things wherewith one may Edifie another, Rom. 14. 19. 'Tis not below the greateſt of men to put their hands to this work, of Building. the Houſe of God; indeed it ſhould ſtrenuouſly be ſet about by All, Magiſtrates, Miniſters, People.

1. The Churches Edification is to be minded by Magiſtrates. Their Authority ſhould be ſubſervient to the Authority of Him by whom they Reign, Prov. 8. 15. By me Kings Reign, and Princes decree Juſtice. The Laws of Kingdoms and States ſhould alwayes promote and encourage the Progreſs of the Goſpel. Truth and Holineſs do ever deſerve the countenance of Authority, but ſin is worthy of a frown. Thoſe Princes who are moſt for the Churches welfare, do moſt conſult their own; If Righteouſneſs exalts a Nation, and ſin be the reproach and …ine of any People, Prov. 14. 34; then the more the Church is Edified, the more firmly both Throne and Kingdom are eſtabliſhed. Hezekiah his Zeal for Religion was attended with a bleſſed Proſperity, 2 Chron. 31. 21. In every work that he began in the Service of the houſe of God, and in the Law, and in the Commandments, to ſeek his God, he did it with all his Heart, and he proſpered.

p. 692. The Churches Edification is to be minded by Miniſters: 'tis their office more peculiarly to be Labourers together with God, in his Husbandry and Building, 1 Cor. 3. 9. They ſhould Pray, Preach, Live ſo as to Edifie. Reputation and worldly advantage are poor things; Edification! Edification is moſt truly conſiderable, and ſhould ſound in their Ears, ſhould be upon their Hearts, and endeavoured with their utmoſt abilities. They muſt be blameleſs as the Stewards of God, and faithfully diſpenſe food to Souls; They muſt not be Self-willed, not ſoon Angry, not given to Wine, no Strikers, not given to filthy L…cre; but lovers of Hoſpitality, lovers of good Men, Sober, Juſt, Holy, Temperate, Tit. 1. 7, 8. Then they are like to Build the Houſe of God indeed.

3. The People alſo ſhould endeavour the Edification of the Church: They ſhould by a good example provoke one another to love and good works; No corrupt Communication ſhould proceed out of their Mouths, but that which is good to the uſe of Edifying, and which may adminiſter Grace to the hear…rs, Eph. 4 29. They are to pleaſe one another for Edification: Rom. 15. 2. And in all Reproofs let Love and a deſire to Edifie be apparent in the Reprover.

I conclude with a few Arguments to perſwade all to Edifie the Church.

1. The Church of Chriſt is hugely out of repair, the breaches are great, and there is much p. 70rubbiſh to be removed: and where there is ſo much work to be done, the Labourers ſhould be the greater number, and the more diligent.

2. While you are building his Church the Lord himſelf will be with you, and then no matter for oppoſition. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the World. When Nehemiah was building Jeruſalem, he was derided, he was oppoſed, but he was not diſcouraged, neither did the work ceaſe; and the Enemies were forced to an acknowledgment that God was with him.

3. Your labour ſhall not be in vain, either as to ſucceſs or as to reward. Some good you ſhall do, who do deſire it, and God takes notice how much more you would do, and will reward you accordingly. The Lord is too good a Maſter to ſuffer any of his faithful labourers and ſervants to want encouragement. David had it in his heart to build him an houſe; and God eſtabliſhes the houſe of David, 1 Chron. 17. 23. and his family was upheld, till Chriſt the Son of David came. I have done with the third Propoſition; That the Body of Chriſt ſhould diligently endeavour the edifying of it ſelf.

Propoſit. IIII. The fourth and laſt Propoſition is this. The more Love abounds among the members of the Church, the more the whole Body will be edified; or more briefly thus: Love is p. 71exceedingly for the Churches edification. I might be large in diſcourſing of Love to Chriſt, and manifeſt how this will conſtrain all in whom it is, to endeavour the edification of his Body, and to ſeek the welfare of thoſe for whom he died. One who loves the Lord Jeſus in ſincerity, how can he chuſe but love all Saints though of different perſwaſions, ſince notwithſtanding that difference they are all ſo dear to him, that he gave his life a ranſom for them all; and the blood of God was ſhed for every one of them, that there might be a price paid ſufficient for their Redemption.

But the Apoſtle is to be underſtood in my Text of Chriſtians love one to another. This is that Charity which the Scripture calls ſo loudly for: Joh. 13. 34. A new Commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye alſo love one another; the command is doubled, and called a new commandment, becauſe though delivered long before, yet here 'tis delivered with a new example, that of Chriſt himſelf, (as I have loved you) and conſequently with a new and ſtrongly enforcing motive. The Apoſtle Peter gives this charge, 1 Pet. 4. 8. Above all things have fervent charity among your ſelves. Gifts though excellent, may be abuſed, and perverſely employed, to inſtill Errour, and rend the Church of God. Knowledge if it be alone, will not profit but puſſ up him that has it: But Charity edifieth, 1 Cor. 8. 1. Love p. 72is greatly beneficial; its acts are pure, and peaceable, and gentle, full of mercy and good fruits; and 'tis againſt the very nature of it to work ill to any.

In the handling of the Propoſition, I ſhall Firſt, Diſcourſe concerning the Nature of Love. Secondly, Diſcover the Properties which the Scripture attributes to it. Thirdly, Demonſtrate how it is for the Churches Edification. Fourthly, Shew the vanity of thoſe excuſes that are made for the want of love. Laſtly, Apply.

In the firſt place I am to diſcourſe concerning the Nature of love. There is a fourfold Love, Carnal, Natural, Civil, Spiritual.

1. Carnal, and impure: Thus Amnon loved his fair Siſter Tamar, 2 Sam. 13. 1. and Sampſon fell in love with Delilah; but this impure affection coſt both theſe their lives, and brought the one and the other to an untimely end. This may more properly be called Luſt than Love; and in whatever heart 'tis harbour'd, how does it defile and harden! If but a ſpark of luſt be let alone, what a flame may quickly follow, which may conſume the Eſtate, the Reputation, the Body and the Soul: it may indeed be extenuated; but 'tis threatned with the wrath of God. Not only for fornication but for evil concupiſcence, cometh the wrath of God upon the Children of diſobedience, Col. 3. 5, 6. When Luſt is ſuffer'd to conceive and bring p. 73forth actual Adultery, how do the Adulterer and his Strumpet ſhew their hatred one to the other! The miſchief they do themſelves is inconceiveable: and how do they defile each the others Body, wound each the others Conſcience, and delight in that whereby they damn each the others Soul!

2. There is a Love which is Natural. I mean Natural affection. To have this natural affection is a duty, for 'tis planted in the heart by the wiſe and gracious God, as that which has a mighty tendency to the conſervation of Mankind: therefore to be without natural affection, the Apoſtle makes one of the crimes of them who were given up to a reprobate mind, to do thoſe things which were not convenient, Rom. 1. 28, 31. Natural affection we owe unto Relations; which debt if we refuſe to pay, we ſhut our ears to the dictates of Nature, as well as the word of Chriſt, and become worſe than Infidels, nay worſe than the beaſts that periſh. Parents muſt love their Children, Children their Parents, Husbands and Wives be full of affection to one another: But Grace ſhould ſpiritualize this Natural affection. Not only the perſons of our Relations muſt be loved, but their Souls; and their eternal Salvation moſt earneſtly deſired and endeavoured; and if we cannot bear the thoughts of a Parents, Husbands, Wives, or Childs pain, poverty, ſlavery, ſtarving; the thoughts p. 74of their being eternally damn'd, ſhould be much more intolerable! and all means ſhould be uſed to prevent it.

3. There is a Love which may be ſtyled Civil. This is one of the great bonds of Humane Societies, whereby they are kept together; whereas hatred and diſcord, do firſt divide and then deſtroy them. This Amor patriae, love to our Countrey, the more it prevails, the more will our Countrey flouriſh. In a Kingdom, the whole ſhould be concerned for every individual; and every individual for the whole; and all the parts for one another. No member ſhould haſtily be concluded a gangren'd one; that is

Enſe recidendum, ne pars ſincera trahatur; Preſently to be cut off, leſt the whole Community be endanger'd. Draco is not lookt upon as one of the wiſeſt Legiſlators, who made almoſt every Offence capital, and therefore is ſaid to have writ his Laws in blood. A mild Government, ſuch as our Engliſh is, does beſt ſuit with Chriſtianity, and is likelieſt to attain the end of Magiſtracy, the Higheſt Sovereigns glory, the King and Kingdoms ſafety. Love ſhould make all the Subjects of a Kingdom to conſider the Relation they have to, and their concern in one another; and no Plots and Conſpiracies ſhould be allowed; but onelyonly deſigns and endeavours of one anothers wealth and welfare; eſpecially the trueſt wealth, and the welfare that is eternal.

p. 75I cannot but here bewail the want of this Civil love, and the variance that is in my Native Country. New Names of diſcrimination are invented, which our forefathers knew not. Breaches grow wide as the Sea; who but the God of Love and Peace can heal them? A perverſe Spirit mingles it ſelf among different Parties; and differences are kept up, and ſtill increaſed with an unuſual animoſity. When Phaeton had ſet the World on fire, the Poet by an elegant Proſopopoeia brings in the Earth it ſelf thus pleading,

Hoſne mihi fructus? hunc fertilitatis honorem, Officiique refers? &c.—

And may not England, which at this day is in a flame of Contention, be introduced thus ſpeaking to her Inhabitants?

O Engliſh-men, what means this more than civil Diſcord and Fury among you? In Me you have been born and bred: And conſidering the temperateneſs of the Climate, the fruitfulneſs of the Soil, the variety of Delights; where can you find a better Land, that might reaſonably be wiſht to have been the Land of your Nativity? Be not I beſeech you ſo unnatural, as to fill and load me with ſin, and to make me deſolate, a Land not inhabited. The Corn I bear, the abundance of pleaſant Fruit I produce, the Beaſts I nouriſh for your food, the wholeſome Air you breath in; for all p. 76theſe, it would be an unworthy requital to turn me into an Aceldama, a Field of Blood. I have been a Land of Light to you, as well as fruitful: The Sun of Righteouſneſs has ſhined as clearly and gloriouſly in Me, as in any Nation under Heaven. Oh ſin not, quarrel not away that which is my trueſt glory, that which is your greateſt Priviledge. Study and mind the things which concern your peace: Make your peace with God by faith in his Son, and that faith accompanied with Repentance and Reformation; and be at peace among your ſelves; and then you need not fear your forreign foes: And I ſhould again become a Land of Renown; and be both feared and courted all Europe over.

4. There is a Love which is Spiritual: The grounds and attractives of this are Spiritual. And this kind of love the Text ſpeaks of. Chriſtians Hearts ſhould be filled with it: And the more this is expreſſed, the more the Church muſt needs be edified. The Nature of this Love I ſhall explain in theſe Particulars.

1. Love is a Grace wrought by the God of all grace, 1 John 4. 7. Let us love one another; for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. That Spirit which brings a man to the knowledge of God, and regenerates him, and makes him a New Crea…re, works in him this Grace of Love; there…re we read. That the fruit of the Spirit is …, Gal. 5. 22. Though Good Nature be an p. 77cellent thing, and the diſpoſitions of many incline them to be full of loving-kindneſs; yet this natural ſweetneſs of temper does greatly differ from Chriſtian Charity. The beſt Nature is regardleſs of the Soul; neither is it concerned for it ſelf or others, beyond the things of ſenſe, and of this preſent World. The Apoſtle thus deſcribes a ſtate of Nature, in which he ſometimes was as well as others, Tit. 3. 3. We our ſelves were ſometimes fooliſh, diſobedient, deceived, ſerving divers luſts and pleaſures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. So that true love to others is of an Heavenly Original.

2. Love is in Obedience to the Divine Command. Chriſtians love one another, becauſe their Lord and Saviour has commanded them, Joh. 15. 12. This is my Commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you: Both Law and Goſpel inſiſt upon this. The Summ of the ſecond Table of the Law, is this, Thou ſhalt love thy Neighbour as thy ſelf. And by the Goſpel this Law is eſtabliſhed. Faith in Chriſt therefore and Love are joyned. 1 Joh. 3. 23. And this is his Commandment, that we ſhould believe on the Name of his Son Jeſus Chriſt, and love one another as he gave us Commandment. Obedience to the Command ſanctifies our love to our Neighbour, and renders it not only more profitable to him, but acceptable to God himſelf. When we love others, that Gods will may be p. 78fulfilled, and he may be pleaſed, and becauſe of the Image of God and Chriſt which we ſee in them; then we love truly: And this is the meaning of that, 1 Joh. 5. 2. By this we know that we love the Children of God, when we love God, and keep his Commandments. When love to God, and a care to keep his Laws, induce us to love his Children, becauſe he bids us, and for his ſake.

3. Love implies a Mortification of contrary Paſſions. The Poet ſayes, Virtus eſt vitium fugere. Vertue is, to fly from Vice: So may I ſay, Love is, to fly from Anger, Wrath, Malice, Bitterneſs, Envy, Revenge, which are ſins of ſuch a nature, that they carry their puniſhment in their bowels, and make an Hell as well as deſerve one. The darkneſs of the night is chaſed away when the day returns, and the Sun riſes; ſickneſs is removed, when health is reſtored; and in like manner thoſe ſinful and corrupt paſſions, which benight the Soul, and are the diſeaſes of it, are purged out, where this Grace of Love is indeed infuſed. The Apoſtle plainly ſhews this, Eph. 4. 31. compared with Chap. 5. 2. In the former place he ſayes, Let all bitterneſs, and wrath, and anger, and clamour be put away, with all kind of malice. In the latter he ſayes, Walk in love, as Chriſt alſo hath loved us, and gave himſelf for us. Compare alſo Col. 3. 8. with v. 14. and you may perceive, that we muſt put off anger, wrath, malice, when we p. 79put on charity, which is the bond of perfectneſs.

4. Love implies an Inclination to Ʋnion. The nature of it is to unite and knit things together. Thus by the love of Friendſhip, the Soul of Jonathan was knit with the Soul of David, 1 Sam. 18. 1. and the Hearts of Chriſtians are knit together by this excellent Grace of Love, Col. 2. 2. Union is of God, and is indeed the Churches ſtrength. The bundle of rods in the Fable, while they remain'd bound together, could not be broken; whereas every ſingle one might be ſnapt aſunder with eaſe. So far as the Church is divided, ſo far 'tis certainly and dangerouſly weakned. There is an admirable Union in the Godhead: Three diſtinct Perſons are in one incomprehenſibly glorious Nature. A wonderful Union alſo in Chriſt himſelf; two diſtinct Natures in one Perſon and Mediator; and theſe two Natures infinitely more differing than Earth and Heaven, than the Sun and a Mole-hill; and yet behold them inſeparably united. The Churches Union is Myſtical; they are Many Members, but love makes them one Body; for it makes them of one heart, and of one Soul. Love alters the contentious and cruel nature, and inclines to Union and Peace. So that, to uſe the Prophets Phraſe, The Wolf dwells peaceably with the Lamb, the Leopard lyes down with the Kid; the Calf and the young Lion and the Fatling together; and a little Child may lead them: the Cow and the Bear feed, their young p. 80ones lye down together; and the Lyon eats ſtraw like the Oxe: the ſucking Child plays on the hole of the Aſp; and the weaned Child puts his hand on the Adders den; ſo far as love prevails, there is no hurting nor deſtroying one another in all Gods holy Mountain, Iſa. 11. 6, 7, 8, 9. Chriſt prayed for this Union, as that which would be for the Churches benefit, and for the Worids Conviction, that he came forth from God. John 17. 21. That they all may be one, as thou Father art in Me; and I in Thee; that they alſo may be one in us, that the World may believe that thou haſt ſent me. How needful is Love to unite Chriſtians, and to make them one; ſince diviſions ſtrike at Chriſt himſelf, and harden the World in its infidelity!

5. Love enlarges the Heart, and frees it from the bonds of ſelfiſhneſs; and makes its deſire others welfare as well as our own. Love to our Neighbour breaths forth in ſervent wiſhes, that it may be well with him both in Time, and to Eternity. We are in every reſpect to conſider our Brethren; and true love will make us long that every way they may be benefited; that they may not want any needful fecular comfort and encouragement; eſpecially that they may be bleſſed with all Spiritual bleſſings: And above all that they may attain Eternal Happineſs and Salvation. The Apoſtles love vents it ſelf in a Prayer for the Corinthians temporal proſperity and increaſe. 2. Cor. 9. 10. Now he that mimiſtereth p. 81ſeed to the Sower, both Miniſter brend for your food and multiply your ſeed ſown, and increaſe the fruits of your Righteouſneſs. So St. John writing to his beloved Gaius, wiſhes him health and proſperity, 3 Joh. 2. Beloved, I wiſh above all things that thou mayſt proſper and be in health, even as thy Soul proſpereth. But the Apoſtles wiſhes that Souls might be ſanctified and ſaved, were moſt vehement, and moſt pathetically expreſſed, Rom. 10. 1. Brethren my hearts deſire and prayer to God for Iſrael, is that they might be ſaved. Phil. 1. 8. God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jeſus Chriſt. Gal. 4. 19. My little Children of whom I travel in birth again until Chriſt be formed in you. Behold how the Apoſtle loved Souls! I don't wonder that he wiſhes his love as a bleſſing to the Church; 1 Cor. 16. 24. My love be with you all in Chriſt Jeſus. Amen.

6. Love is the fulfilling of the Law, the doing of which is ſo much for our Neighbours benefit, Rom. 13. 8. He that loveth another, hath fulfilled the Law. As love to God includes the whole firſt table of the Law, ſo love to our Neighbour includes the ſecond: with reaſon 'tis called foreign, the fulfilling of the Law, for it cauſes an affectionate and obediential reſpect unto every Commandment of the ſecond table, and there is not one of theſe precepts but 'tis hugely for the good of Mankind.

1. Love has a regard …o the Honour and Authority p. 82of Others. That honour which is due to Natural Parents, love is ready to yield. They that were inſtrumental in giving us our very Being, and that nouriſhed us with ſuch tenderneſs and care when we were not abl… to ſhift for our ſelves, may rightfully challenge obedience from us. Upon a ſuppoſition that Parents are fallen into decay, that piety that Children ſhew them in relieving them is called a Requiting them, 1 Tim. 5. 4. ſo that Childrens diſobedience as 'tis unnatural, ſo it has a great deal of ingratitude in it.

Love aſcends higher than our Natural Parents, and reaches the very Thrones where Kings and Princes are placed. Kings are Patriae Patres, Fathers of their Countrey; all the inhabitants of a Kingdom are the Children of the King, and as a Common Father their very hearts ſhould love and reverence him. It was not a Court complement, or a ſtrain of Rhetorick, but an expreſſion of religious Loyalty, when the Prophet call'd the Anointed of the Lord the breath of the peoples noſtrils, Lam. 4. 20. and ſignifies how dear his life ſhould be unto them all. Love will cauſe tribute and cuſtom to be willingly paid, fear and honour to be rendred, Rom. 13. 7.

Chriſtian Princes, according as it was prophetically promiſed, Iſa. 49. 23. foreignare Eccleſiae Nutritij, the Churches Nurſing Fathers. The p. 83Church of Chriſt in this world is not arrived to ſuch mat…uity, but it ſtands in need of nurſing; the Magiſtrates care is needful, and his Authority is a good fence unto the Chriſtian faith. And if the Doctrine of the Goſpel has a legal eſtabliſhment, how ſhould this endear the Supream Magiſtrate unto all inferiours. Where Chriſtian love reigns in the hearts of Subjects, there Chriſtian Kings will reign with greater ſecurity. Love and rightly informed Conſcience wherever found, will do more than Rods and Axes (though theſe are alſo neceſſary) to ſupport and defend the Civil Government.

2. Love has a regard to the Lives of Others. The guilt of blood is great, the cry of blood is loud. Murther! how does it wound the Murtherers Conſcience, and defile the very land which receives the blood of him that is murthered! Love utterly abhorrs cruelty and ſlaughter. It conſiders the meekneſs and gentleneſs of Chriſt. When James and John would by miraculous fire have conſumed a Samaritan village that would not receive their Lord, He rebukes them, and ſayes ye know not what manner of Spirit ye are of; for the Son of man is not come to deſtroy mens lives but to ſave them, Luk. 9. 55, 56. Love is ſo far from thirſting after blood, that it will not allow of malice in the heart; nay raſh and cauſelefſ anger it diſlikes, for that will make a man in danger of p. 84the judgment, Mat. 5. 22. Were but love every where revived, it would put an end to the Iron one, and cauſe the Golden age to return, Swords would be beaten into Plough-ſhares, and Spears into Pr…ning-Hooks, and Nations would not learn Warr any more.

3. Love will not violate others chaſtity. Luſt is ſtrongly inclined to ſuch a violation; but the grace of love is of an holy and clean nature, and abhorrs all obſceneneſs. It is ſo far from conſenting to defile anothers body, that it will not allow the heart where 'tis, by a filthy thought or deſire to be defiled: for our Lord ſayes, Whoſoever looketh on a Woman to luſt after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart, Mat. 5. 28. Love looks upon the bodies of Chriſtians as Members of Chriſt, as temples of the Spirit; now the Members of Chriſt are not to be polluted, the temples of the Spirit are not to be profaned. How little of true love is there in this luſtful Age, in this adulterous generation! An affection that is indeed Chriſtian, is rarely to be found; but a reprobate and brutiſh concupiſcence is very riſe both in City and Countrey, though hereby both are ripening apace for vengeance; Jer. 5. 7, 8, 9. They aſſembled themſelves by troops in the harlots houſes, they were as fed Horſes in the morning, every one neighed after his Neighbours Wife; Shall I not viſit for theſe things, ſaith the Lord, and ſhall not my ſoul be avenged on ſuch a nature as this?

p. 854. Love will not ſteal away the ſubſtance of another. It abhors to be injurious to any; it is for following that which is altogether juſt. It is ready to distribute, willing to communicate to the poor; according to that charge, 1 Tim. 6. 18. and the poorer any are, it is ſo much the more communicative. Love is liberal; for he that ſoweth ſparingly ſhall reap ſparingly, he which ſoweth bountifully ſhall reap bountifully, 2 Cor. 9. 6. But though it will give away pounds to them that are needy, it dares not unjuſtly take away a penny or a farthing from another though never ſo wealthy. Solomon tells us that a falſe balance is not good, and divers weights are an abomination to the Lord, Prov. 20. 23. and they are alſo an abomination unto Love. No duty more clearly diſcovered by the light of nature, than to do juſtly; and what does God in his written word more expreſly require? the unrighteous being plainly threaten'd with the loſs of the Kingdom of Heaven; and what poor and petty things are their unjuſt gains compared with ſuch a Kingdom! Wronging another, though it be in ſo ſlie a manner, that humane eyes obſerve it not, humane laws cannot puniſh it; yet will be overtaken with divine Vengeance; 1 Theſ. 4. 6. That no man go beyond and deſraud his brother in any matter; becauſe the Lord is the avenger of all ſuch, as we alſo have forewarned you and teſtified. Love to our Neighbour implies a Love of Juſtice, p. 86is to give our Neighbour his due. Love can as ſoon ceaſe to be Love, as begin to be Injurious. Nay, if a man has heretofore been guilty of Injuſtice, it will incline and conſtrain him to make reſtitution; for, The wicked muſt reſtore the Pledge, and give again what he hath robbed, and walk in the Statutes of Life; then he ſhall live, he ſhall not dye, Ezek. 33. 15.

5. Love is very tender of others Names and Reputation. It deteſts all manner of Lying, as that which is an abomination to God, Prov. 6. 17. and expoſes the Lyar himſelf to the burning lake: Rev. 21. 8. But a ſlanderous or malicious lye, that wounds the Name, and murthers the Reputation of another, it hates exceedingly; for this is an abomination moſt abominable, and more againſt the very letter of the Law, Tho… ſhalt not bear falſe witneſs againſt thy Neighbour. The Name of a man ought to be very dear to him, eſpecially if he be a Chriſtian; becauſe God, and Chriſt, and the Goſpel are concerned in it: A Chriſtian cannot be aſperſed without ſome aſperſion on Chriſtianity it ſelf. Love is very wary, and that with great reaſon, and will not caſt into the precious Oyntment a dead Fly, to make it ſend forth an evil ſavour. Love hinders the Tongue from evil ſpeaking, and makes it ſubject to the Law of kindneſs. Love is ſo far from raiſing a falſe report of another, that it dares not take it up, much leſs ſpread it all abroad. The Citizen of Sion who p. 87ſhall dwell with God both here and for ever, this is part of his Character; He ſpeaketh the truth in his heart, he back-biteth not with his tongue, nor doth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach againſt his neighbour, Pſal. 15. 2, 3.

Light may as well become darkneſs, as Love be guilty of Lying and malicious Defamations. Profeſſors ears are ready to tingle when they hear the ſound of helliſh Oaths, and horrid Execrations, wretched men making bold with the Life of God, the blood and wounds of Chriſt, and hardly a ſentence is pronounced without an Imprecation that God may damn them: But theſe Profeſſors would do well to conſider, that the ſame Mouth of Truth which has forbid and threatned Curſing and Swearing, has forbid and threatned Lying and Slandering; and if we obſerve how much injury may be done by a ſlanderous tongue, we ſhall not wonder that the throats of ſuch Slanderers are compared to open Sepulchers, and their Tongues to whetted Swords and ſharpned Arrows, and the Poyſon of Aſps is ſaid to be under them.

6. Love is contented with its own, and hinders us from coveting what belongs to another. Sinful luſtings and deſires after that which is our neighbours, precipitate unto thoſe acts whereby he is injured; thus Ahabs inordinate deſire after Naboths Vineyard, makes him a Murtherer of Naboth, and that with many aggravations, that he might enjoy it. Love breeds p. 88contentation, and inſtead of coveting what is anothers, it wiſhes him both a quiet poſſeſſion, and an holy improvement; and Love expelling theſe inordinate luſtings, it plucks up the very root of bitterneſs from whence do commonly grow all thoſe injuries that the Sons of men do one to another. Thus Love is Eagleeyed to obſerve whatever God in his Law has commanded for our neighbours good, and ſince the wiſe and gracious Law-giver has manifeſted his care of our neighbour, in fencing his Life and all that is dear to him with ſo many Commandments, Love rationally inferrs, it ought to be our care not to break this fence, but to keep all theſe Commandments without exception.

7. Love breeds ſympathy when our fellow Chriſtians are in miſery: It makes us fear leaſt harm befall the Church of God, and when the Church is actually under Affliction, it cauſes us in that affliction to be afflicted. Love is the great Law of Chriſt, and Chiſtian Sympathy is a fulfilling it, Gal. 6. 2. Bear ye one anothers burthens, and ſo fulfill the Law of Chriſt. The Captive Jews their Harps were out of Tune, and their Hearts had little liſt to Mirth and Muſick; nay, By the rivers of Babylon they wept when they remembred Sion, Pſal. 137. 1, 2. Love eaſily melts the heart of a Saint into ſorrow, when other Saints are in ſadneſs and calamity; nay, 'tis re…dy to put on bowels when it ſees any in p. 89miſery. This Sympathy of Love is a real thing, and ſhews it ſelf in a forwardneſs to relieve and help. Love enlarges the Heart in Prayer for the diſtreſſed Church of Chriſt, and all his Members; it makes us in the Churches languors ready to faint and dye away our ſelves; Love draws forth our Compaſſion towards the divided and diſtreſſed Land of our Nativity: and in ſome it ariſes to ſo high a degree, that they are ready (ſuch are their holy Agonies) to wiſh Their Names blotted out of the Book of …ife, and themſelves ac…urſed from Chriſt, rather than England ſhould become deſolate, rather than God ſhould depart, and the glorious Goſpel of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt be removed!

8. Love makes us to delight in the Communion of Saints. Sin has brought a great deformity and unlovelineſs upon Mankind; the Scripture ſpeaks thus of Men, conſidered in their natural State, They are all gone aſide, they are altogether become filthy, there is none that doth good, no not one, Pſal. 14. 3. But the Grace of God lias made a difference between the Saints and other men, they have put off the old man which is corrupt according to deceitful luſts, and they put on the new man which after God is created in Righteouſneſs and true Holineſs, Eph. 4. 22. 24. Now this Holineſs makes them truly amiable. Love makes us pity the World that lies in wickedneſs, but to delight in thoſe who by Regeneration are called out of the World, p. 90and made New Creatures. David, though a King, lookt upon Saints as the excellent ones, and his delight was all in them, as the moſt eligible and ſuitable Society, Pſal. 16. 3. Love is exceedingly pleaſed with the holy and unblameable and exemplary Lives of others, it finds a Melody and Sweetneſs in their gracious and edifying Diſcourſes, when their Hearts are warm, and their Graces are in vigorous exerciſe; the delight is greateſt when Saints are moſt like themſelves, diſcovering moſt of real Sanctity, and leaſt of ſinful Infirmity. Love is for Communion with all Saints, though of different perſwaſions: He that likes Saints of his own Judgment onelyonly, 'tis a ſign he is fond of his own Opinion, and that his Complacency is not ſo truly in the Image of God, wherever it ſhines. 'Tis want of light that makes Saints of different ſentiments in Religion, and 'tis want of Love that makes them ſo ſhye, to look ſo ſtrangely, to ſpeak ſo ſtrangely, and to act ſo ſtrangely one towards another.

9. Love cauſes a joy in the good of others. In the natural Body if one Member be honoured, all the Members rejoyce with it, 1 Cor. 12. 26. Chriſtians in like manner are to rejoyce with them that do rejoyce, Rom. 12. 15. It was an excellent Spirit in John the Baptiſt, and it argued the Truth of his Love to the Meſſiah, of whom he was the forerunner, that he rejoyced to ſee Chriſt increaſe, though he himſelf decreaſed, Joh. 3. 29, 30. p. 91The Apoſtle was perſwaded of the Corinthians affection to him, when he ſaid, I have confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all, 2 Cor. 2. 3. The more Love abounds, the more the joy of one Chriſtian will be the joy of every one. Love rejoyces to ſee the Spirit of God poured out in the moſt plentiful manner, to ſee uſeful and excellent gifts diſtributed to others. It is really glad of their higheſt attainments, their enlargements, their comforts, their honour and eſteem following upon all this. We are all Members one of another; and why ſhould we not rejoyce in one anothers honour, ſince we are really honoured one in another; and the honour of all redounds at length to our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who is the Head of all?

10. Love covers a multitude of ſins and Infirmitie…, 1 Pet. 4. 8. Not that there is any merit in this Grace of Charity, to deſerve the pardon of ſin in our ſelves; but inſtead of ſpreading the faults of others, it ſpreads a veil over them. Love makes us tender-hearted and kind, ready to forgive others, as we our ſelves for Chriſts ſake have been forgiven. And indeed the offences and injuries done to us by others are but like the debt of a few pence, compared with our offences againſt God, which amount to many Millions of Talents. The Apoſtle Peter asked Chriſt, Lord, how often ſhall my Brother ſin againſt me, and I forgive him? till ſeven times? p. 92Jeſus ſaith unto him, I ſay unto thee, not till ſeven times, but untill ſeventy times ſeven, Mat. 18. 21, 22. Some think that there is alluſion to the cuſtom of the Jews, to ſhew favour every ſeventh year, but eſpecially in the year of Jubilee. As there is a greater meaſure of light in the Chriſtian Church than there was in the Jewiſh, ſo ought there to be a greater meaſure of love. We muſt not only forgive to ſeven times, or ſeven times ſeven, but ſeventy times ſeven; a certain …umber for an uncertain; intimatin… we muſt pardon our treſpaſſing Brother without any ſtint or limitation. Our Lord calls the time of the Goſpel foreign, the acceptable year, Luk. 4. 19. Chriſtians ſhould abhorr all manner of revenge, and be as charitably inclined to paſs by their Brethrens faults, as if their life were a perpetual Jubilee.

Where is the love of thoſe, who not only harbour in their hearts a grudge againſt their Brethren, but their mouths are like Trumpets to ſound forth their failings. Nay, they tarry not to examine whether failings or no; but boldly and blindly conclude them to be ſuch, and proclaim and exclaim againſt them: Nay, their eager tongues tarry not for a certain Information; but whether reports to the diſparagement of others be true or falſe, they make them run like wild-fire. What's become of Love the mean while? Love hi…es a multitude of ſins, but theſe perſons won't conceal one: p. 93Love covers real Crimes, but theſe forbear not ſpreading falſe reports. The Tongue by Drexelius is called Orbis Phaethon, the Phaethon of the World, that ſets it in a flame. If as the Apoſtle ſayes, an unruly tongue defiles the whole body, and he that ſeems religious, and bridles not his tongue, does but deceive his own heart, and his Religion is in vain, Jam. 1. 26. Let a multitude of Profeſſors at this day, tremble, and be aſtoniſhed, and cry out, Who among us ſhall be ſaved?

11. Love is projecting and deſigning the good of others. Thus the Apoſtle abaſed himſelf that others might be exalted; and ſought not his own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be ſaved, 1 Cor. 10. 33. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; but is very fruitful in contriving, and operative in promoting his Neighbours welfare. Love is not in not in word and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth, 1 Joh. 3. 18. It will not only ſay, depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, but 'tis ready to cloath the naked, and to feed the hungry: nay, it deviſeth liberal and charitable things; and conſiders the wants of Souls as well as Bodies, cordially, according to its capacity; endeavouring that both may be ſupplyed. The Apoſtles love to the Corinthians was very active, notwithſtanding a woful failing on their ſide. 2 Cor. 12. 14, 15. I ſeek not yours, but you; and I will very gladly ſpend and be ſpent for you; (in the Greek 'tis p. 94foreign, for your ſouls) though the more abundantly I love you, the leſs I be loved. Thus have I explained the Nature of Love.

In the Second place I am to ſpeak of the Properties which the Scripture attributes to it, and requires ſhould be in Love.

1. Love muſt proceed from a pure heart, 1 Tim. 1. 5. A heart muſt of neceſſity be made a new one, before this Grace of Love can dwell there. If Satan cannot make us hate our Brother, he will endeavour to defile our Love. There is need of the greater care, that our Love be not defiled by ſelfiſhneſs, or luſt and filthineſs. Our affections ſhould be pure and clean; as Angels may be conceived to love one another. All impure motions muſt be deteſted utterly; and our hearts being firſt circumciſed to love a God of Holineſs, muſt love Saints for their holineſs ſake. Our love ſhould alwayes have an holy aim, and never degenerate, ſo as to deſign the polluting of others, or our ſelves with them.

2. Love muſt be joyn'd with a good Conſcience, 1 Tim. 1. 5. A Chriſtian ſhould not be conſcious to himſelf of any ſinful or by-ends that he has in his love to others. He muſt not have perſons in admiration becauſe of advantage; nor allow of any Hypocriſy, which Conſcience cannot chuſe, if tender, but condemn. Therefore ſayes the Apoſtle, Let love p. 95be without diſſimulation, Rom. 12. 9. Conſcience obſerves whether our inward affection anſwers our ſpeeches, our ſhews, and our pretences; and ſhould be able to bear witneſs of our integrity. Our love to our neighbours ſhould be for Chriſts ſake, and ſhould make us to purſue the ends for which Chriſt died on their account.

3. Love muſt flow from faith unfeigned. In that fore-cited place, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Now the end of the Commandment is Charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conſcience, and of faith unfeigned. There muſt be a firm belief of Gods good-will towards men, of Chriſts love to his Church, ſo as to give himſelf for its Redemption and Salvation, and that he much inſiſts upon this Command, that Chriſtians ſhould love one another; and when love is the product of this belief, then 'tis right, then 'tis acceptable. The Apoſtle gave thanks without ceaſing in the behalf of the Epheſians, when he heard of their faith in the Lord Jeſus, and love to all the Saints, Eph. 1. 15, 16. How can he refuſe to love any one Saint, who unfeignedly believes that Chriſt died for all; eſpecially if withall he be upon good grounds perſwaded, that Chriſt loved him, und gave himſelf for him.

4. Love muſt be fervent, 1 Pet. 1. 22. Seeing ye have purified your Souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, unto the unfeigned love of the Brethren, ſee that ye love one another with a pure p. 96heart fervently. 'Tis ill with the Body if the natural heat abates; it argues a dangerous decay in the new Creature, if Love wax cold. If Chriſtians Love one towards another languiſh, proportionably there will be alſo a languiſhing of their love to Chriſt himſelf; and this is very perillous. When there was not a fervency, but lukewarmneſs in Laodicea, Chriſt threatens to ſpue her out of his mouth, Rev. 3. 16. When Epheſus had left her firſt love, he ſayes, I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy Candleſtick out of his place, except thou repent, Rev. 2. 4, 5. The great love of God in Chriſt, his frequent injunctions that love may continue, the excellency, ſweetneſs, uſefulneſs, and even abſolute neceſſity of love for the Churches conſervation; all this ſhould be as perpetual fewel to maintain this holy fire.

5. Chriſtians Love muſt be Brotherly: Chriſt ſayes to his Diſciples, All ye are Brethren, Mat. 23. 8. The whole Body of Believers is called foreign, the Brotherhood, 1 Pet. 2. 17. Chriſtians are all Children of the ſame heavenly Father, who by one Spirit, according to his abundant mercy has begotten them again to a lively hope; all of them have Chriſt to be their Elder Brother, and are born again of the ſame ſeed which is incorruptible; how reaſonable then are thoſe injunctions, Love as Brethren, 1 Pet. 3. 8. And let Brotherly love continue, Heb. 13. 1. Alas for woe! that the ſinful Defects and Paſſions p. 97of Brethren are to be found among Profeſſors, but not the Affection. Multitudes at this day reſemble the Brother, ſpoken of by Solomon, Prov. 18. 19. A Brother offended is harder to be won than a ſtrong City, and their Contentions are like the bars of a Caſtle.

6. Love ſhould be extended ſo as to become Catholick; and the more extenſive 'tis, the more it makes a Man reſemble God himſelf.

1. Love is to be extended to the whole Church, to all Saints. When Love is limited to a party, 'tis Impriſoned as it were, which ought to enjoy the greateſt Liberty. 'Tis common and needful to diſtinguiſh between Converſion to a party, and Converſion to God: There is a diſtinction likewiſe to be made between Love to a party, and Love to the Church of God. 'Tis but too apparent that men place too much in being of ſuch a party and Perſwaſion, and therefore all Receeding, though done with a clear Conſcience, and for the Churches Peace, is nick-named Apoſtacy: And though a man walks as cloſely with God, lives as well as ever, loves more Saints, and Saints more than ever, yet becauſe he is not rigidly of ſuch a way, he is cenſur'd, belyed, reproacht and ſhunn'd, as if he were an Heathen man or Publican. Oh Love! why ſleepeſt thou? awake, awake! wherever thou art planted, revive and flouriſh, and bring forth the fruits of kindneſs, peaceableneſs, tenderneſs and moderation! All true Saints of all p. 98Perſwaſions, are beloved of God, and purchaſed with his blood, and nothing ſhall be able to ſeparate them from the Love of God which is in Chriſt Jeſus their Lord, Rom. 8. ult. Diſaffections therefore and diſtances one from another, are very unſeemly, very ſinful. Though God does love all his Children freely, yet they are all worthy of one anothers love, and this love is a juſt Debt which they owe one to another. If Saints are loved as Saints, all Saints will be loved, à quatenùs ad omne valet conſequentia: And if we love not all, 'tis but too plain that we love none at all truly.

2. Love is to be extended to the Jews, if they are beloved for their Fathers ſakes, Rom. 11. 28. Chriſtians ſhould love them, and expreſs that love by Prayer, that they may not ſtill abide in their Unbelief, but look unto Jeſus whom they have pierced, and obtain Mercy.

3. Love is to reach unto the uncalled Gentiles. The worlds blindneſs and wickedneſs ſhould move our Compaſſion; and ſince the Mercy of our God is ſo unconceivably large, we ſhould deſire that more may partake of it, and ſince Chriſt is a Propitiation ſufficient for the ſins of the whole World, 1 Joh. 2. 22. We ſhould pity the millions of Souls that never heard of him, and beg that the ſound of the Goſpel may come to their ears, and that through this Jeſus they may be reconciled and ſaved.

4. Love is to be extended even to enemies and p. 99Perſecutors. Chriſtians muſt not render evil for evil, reproach for reproach, curſing for curſing; but if they are reviled, they are to bleſs, if they are defamed, they are to intreat; and they muſt endeavour the Worlds benefit, though they are made the filth of the World, and the off-ſcouring of all things, 1 Cor. 4. 12, 13. A Saints Patience ſhould alwayes be greater than the Paſſion of a Perſecutor, a Saints love than a Perſecutors hatred. 'Tis an excellent Spirit, and the right Spirit of Chriſtian charity, to be meek and kind to thoſe that are moſt bitter againſt us; to ſpeak the beſt of thoſe, who ſpeak the worſt of us; to Pray that our moſt ſpightful Enemies may be forgiven; and that the injuries which are done us, being Pardon'd, may not do an eternal harm unto the Injurers.