A Discourse Concerning Kindness, Text

A Discourse Concerning Kindness · Text

A DISCOURSE CONCERNING Kindneſs.

Being a SERMON Preach'd in Boſton, on the LORD's-DAY, Febr. 28th. 1719, 20. And now Publiſhed, with ſome Enlargement, at the Importunity of Many that heard it.

By Thomas Foxcroft.

Tit. 3. 1, 2, 8.

Put them in mind,—to be ready to every good work, To ſpeak evil of no Man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, ſhewing all meekneſs unto all men.—Theſe Things I will that thou affirm conſtantly, that they which have believed in God, be careful to maintain good works.

2 Pet. 1. 7, 10, 12.

Add to Godlineſs, Brotherly Kindneſs & Charity:—If ye do theſe Things, ye ſhall never fall.—Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of theſe things though ye know them, and be eſtabliſhed in the preſent truth.

Rom. 15. 14, 15.

And I my ſelf alſo am perſuaded of you, my Brethren, that ye alſo are full of all Goodneſs, filled with all knowledge, able alſo to admoniſh one another. Nevertheleſs, Brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in ſome ſort, as putting you in mind.

BOSTON: Printed by S. KNEELAND, for S. GERRISH, and Sold at his Shop in Corn-Hill. 1720.

p. 1A Practical Diſcourſe Concerning KINDNESS.

COLOSSIANS III. 1….

Put on—Kindneſs—.

ONE Incomparable Excellency of the Goſpel-Inſtitution, and an unexceptionable Argument of the Divine Original and Authority of it, is the noble Syſtem of Practical Duties and Moral Ver…es, which it affords us. For therein the Agenda, or matters of Practice, (… well as the Credenda, or matters of Faith,) are more exactly ſtated, more perſpicuouſly diſcover'd, and wiſely elevated to a greater height of Purity and Perfection, than in any other Religion in the World. The Goſpel of Chriſt is a moſt perfect Law of Liberty, a complet…, univerſal and unerring Directory, comprizing our entire Duty; fully ſupplying the defects of the Jewiſh AEconomy, and infallibly correcting the Errors of the Gentile Philoſophy. Very juſt and true are thoſe obſervations of the Pſalmiſt, That th… … is very … ▪ and the Commandment …c…ding broad. For it reaches to the whole p. 2Man in all it's Powers, & to our whole …ehaviour in all Caſes and Capacities. It preſcribes our Duty towards God and towards Man, towards our Selves and towards Others, and that in its juſt latitude and genuine extent, without rigour, miſtake, or deficiency.—Particularly, it gives us the moſt perfect Canons for the government of our Conduct towards our Neighbour: and among the many other Branches of our Duty towards others, which it invites and obliges us to the obſervation of, That too unfaſhionable vertue of Brotherly Kindneſs is none of the leaſt conſiderable. With Injunctions and Directions whereunto the Goſpel ſo abounds, th…t it may well be ſtyled, The Law of Kindneſs, The royal Law of Love.—As in a multitude of other Places, ſo particularly in our Text, we are call'd upon to come into the practice of this excellent Virtue. The Exhortation ſpeaks to us on this wiſe,—PUT ON KINDNESS.—Theſe are the Words of inſpired Paul, the great Doctor of the Gentiles, and come armed with the Majeſty and Authority of the Prince of Peace, in whoſe Name they were delivered; which conſideration beſpeaks our attentive Regards unto them. And I am apt to think, the Meditation is not unſeaſonable.—I ſhall not detain you with a needleſs Analyſis of the Context: but will immediately apply my ſelf to conſider the words, as they lie before us, under an abſtracted view. Our Text needs little Explanation.—The Original Word here rendred Kindneſs, is elſewhere variouſly tranſlated, Goodneſs, Grace, Gentleneſs, Eaſineſs, Courteouſneſs, Bounty, &c. It generally …igni…ies that Habit or Principle, whereby we are inclined and ſtudy to accommodate our ſelves and become ſweet and pleaſant, or uſeful & profitable unto others; whereby we deſire to deſerve well of all, and endeavour to ſuccour one another in all offices of benignity. The Phraſe—Put on—is Metaphorical, alluding moſt commonly to the putting on a Garment. Hence, Brotherly Kindneſs (the Thing to be put on) is here reſembled to a Veſture; and that not …ptly, as might eaſily … ſhown. As for inſtance; Garments are for Neceſſity p. 3and Safety, for Strength, Comfort, and Conveniency: Even ſo of the ſame Importance, Service and Conſequence is Chriſtian Kindneſs. This Spiritual Armour, This Coat of Maile is of ſuch Behoof and Neceſſity, that if we are found Naked & Uncloathed upon, we lie open and expoſed to innumerable Evils and Perils: and have nothing to ſcreen us from the ſtrokes of God's vindictive Wrath, and want that which tends to protect us againſt, and help us to bear up under, the Blows of Man's Malice: and this as a Girdle about our Loins, will ſtrengthen, ſteddy, warm and accommodate us very much in attending the Services and diſcharging the Duties of our ſeveral Stations and Relations.—Again, Garments are for Diſtinction of Perſons. Men are, or ſhou'd be, diſtinguiſhed from one another by their Habit or Cloathing, agreeable to their various Ranks and Conditions in the World. It is allow'd, that Perſons of Quality, the Great and Rich, ſuch as dwell in King's Houſes be dignify'd and diſtinguiſh'd by wearing of Soft Raiment and Coſtly Apparel! But for Inferiours to appear above their Order and Place, and to affect an Equality to Superiours, (the Page to go like his Maſter,) this threatens Conſumption & Confuſion to a Common-Wealth, and is an Enormity not to be tolerated by any wiſe and juſt Government.—This is another Property, wherein the Virtue under conſideration may be compared to a Garment. Brotherly Kindneſs is what God wou'd have Believers to diſtinguiſh themſelves from others by. This is in Scripture made one diſtinctive Character and Badge of the Chriſtian Profeſſion. Thus, Joh. 13. 35. By this (ſaith our Bleſſed Saviour) ſhall men know that ye are my Diſciples, if ye have love one to another. So, 1 Joh. 3. 10. In this the children of God are manifeſt, and the children of the Devil: whoſoever doth not love his Brother, is not of God. Brotherly Love is the very Mark, and Livery of our Lord's Family. It is one of the Criteria, whereby Believers are to manifeſt themſelves a peculiar People, ſeperate from Sinners. And by this Profeſſors in the firſt Times of the p. 4Goſpel ſignalized themſelves; Hence they were called by ſome not Chriſtiani, but Chrestiani, from a Greek word, (like that in our Text,) ſignifying their Benignity and Sweetneſs of Diſpoſition.—Again, Garments are for Ornament. Thus had the Holy Prieſt of old his Garments for beauty and glory, that He might look great in his Miniſtrations. Thus the King hath His Royal Apparel to ſhew forth the honour of His Majeſty. So likewiſe the Bride hath her comely Attire for Ornament and Splendour.—Thus in like manner, Brotherly Kindneſs is none of the leaſt Ornaments of a Chriſtian. This is one of the Garments of Salvation, the White Raiment of the Saints, and is to them as the Princely Robes, the Prieſtly Veſtments, and the Wedding-Garments. 'Tis part of the King's Daughters Apparel, whoſe Cloathing is of wrought Gold, and her Raiment of Needle Work, very curious and coſtly, truly rich and highly valuable, clean and bright; and of a ſweet ſmell, like the ſmell of Lebanon, like the precious oyn…ment upon the head, that ran down upon Aarons beard, that went down to the collar of his Garment. Brotherly Kindneſs puts no ſmall luſtre upon the Beauties of Holineſs: When Profeſſors add to Godlineſs, Brotherly Kindneſs, This is the Church's Glory; This renders it beautiful as T…rzah, comely as Jeruſalem, fair as the Moon, clear as the Sun, and terrible as an Arm: with Banners.—The Ornament of a meek, quiet and kind Spirit is in the ſight of God of great price. 'Tis an Adorning much more excellent and valuable than Gold, Pearls, or the moſt coſtly Array, much more recommending than all the Bravery of the Daughters of Zion. Chriſtian Charity, that Diadem of Beauty, and Ornament of Grace, is an adorning of the Soul, the more noble Part: And verily ſuch as are inveſted with this Garment of Praiſe, even Solomon in all his Glory was not arrayed like one of theſe. This is the great Beauty of our Profeſſion; 'tis an Eternal Excellency; the Excellency of Dignity; and ſuch as are deſtitute of it are truly cloathed with Rags and p. 5Shame, altho' they may wear all the external Enſigns of Honour. Theſe without That, are but a Reproach unto Men. Benignity and Beauty are ſo nearly related and inſeperably wedded, that (I find) the very ſame word which in one place is rendred Kindneſs, Goodneſs, Mercifulneſs, &c. is in another place rendred Goodlineſs, Glory, or Comelineſs: which intimates no leſs than that Chriſtian Kindneſs puts a Lovelineſs on the Soul, makes the Face to ſhine, and is truly amiable and honourable in all.

NOW this goodly Raiment, is what the Apoſtle exhorts us to Put on.—Put on Kindneſs.—The Phraſe t…lls us, that this Virtue is Preternatural: not a native Adjunct, but an additional foreign Quality. By the Fall we were ſtript of this Spiritual Garment, and we come naked into the World. A Man may with as much propriety and truth be ſaid to be born dreſst, with his Cloaths on his Back, as endued with a true Principle of Charity in his Heart. 'Tis a Complaint of an ancient Date, and ever true of all in the ſtate of unrenew'd nature,—Homo Homini Lupus.—Men are naturally mere Wolves, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. There may be▪ indeed the ſhadow and appearance of Love in a Wicked Man, but not the Truth and Reality.

AND when we are Exhorted to Put on Kindneſs; It may note,—That we ſhou'd get furniſhed with the Mantle of Chriſtian Charity, provide our ſelves with it, Have it in a readineſs and not have it to ſeek in time of need.—And that this ſhou'd be proportionable to us; anſwerable to our Statu…e and Figure.—And that we ſhou'd be every one Perſonally cloathed with it, that we our ſelves learn to ſhew Kindneſs, and not excuſe our ſelves with the pretence of others Charity, any more than we ſhou'd be content to go naked or ragged, while others appear in rich Apparel.—Again, It intimates, that we ſhould beſtir our ſelves and give diligence to work our Hearts into a charitable Frame; that we don't lazily and ſluggiſhly p. 6ſit down and expect to be cloathed, without any endeavours of our own; but that we our ſelves be active, and eſſay to put on this Heavenly Temper; yet this with an humble dependence on the help of the Holy Spirit, whoſe Garment it is; of His preparing, and His putting on as the Supreme Agent.—We muſt put it on, as ſome cloſe under-Garment; gird it tight and faſten it firmly about us, and not let it hang looſe and …lack, which will leſſen it's comlineſs and warmth.—We muſt put it on, as our ordinary Attire, which we can't do without, and which we wear every Day and all the Day long. We muſt put on Charity as duly as we put on our wearing Cloaths. There muſt be an habitual fixed diſpoſition to it, and a perſevering exerciſe of it. "We muſt always appear in it, as in our Cloathing, and never without it"; and reckon our ſelves undreſt, to our ſhame, if it be off at any time.—We muſt put it on as Armour: We muſt buckle it on regularly and be covered with it entirely, as Soldiers compleatly Arm'd: and we muſt daily be proving our Armour, that we may grow skilful and expert in the uſe of it, and that it mayn't be a burden to us.—We muſt put it on as an Ornament; with as much care and exactneſs as a Bride puts on her nuptial Attire; with as much Delight and Satisfaction as a Prince elect, His Crown & Robes of State; and with as much Solemnity as the High Prieſt of old His goodly Mineſterial Apparel.—In a Word, Our Charity muſt be viſible, apparent, and ſhine before others, as Rich and Splendid Raiment upon us doth; and hereby we ſhould appear great and diſtinguiſh'd from others, as a Man by the peculiar Habit of his Office. We ſhou'd take a Pleaſure, and a ſort of holy Pride, in wearing of it, as our Glory, Honour and Praiſe.—Thus the Apoſtle in our Text calls upon Chriſtians to put on, as the Elect of God, Holy & Beloved, Kindneſs.

THE only Note or OBSERVATION I ſhall inſiſt on from theſe Words, is This, viz.

p. 7DOCT. THAT Kindneſs to others is one part of Practical Chriſtianity, of indiſpenſable Obligation upon every Profeſſor: a Gra…e which all ſhou'd be endued with,—a Duty which all ſhou'd apply themſelves to the Practice of.

IN handling of which Prop…, I ſhall obſerve this Method. (1) Explain the Nature of Kindneſs. (2) Show the Extent of it. (3) Our Obligations hereunto. And Finally make ſome brief Application.

I. TO ſhew the Nature of Chriſtian Kindneſs. And here, This Vertue may be conſider'd, either as Seated in the Heart, or as Exhibited in the Life, and ſo it implies both Benevolence and Beneficence: a bearing good▪ will unto our Neighbour, and being on all occaſions, obliging and officious, amicable and Serviceable unto others.

1. IT may be conſider'd as ſeated in the Heart: as a Grace or inward Habit; and …o means that frame or temper of mind, whereby we are in all regards favourably diſpoſed, and kindly affectioned towards others. It implies a certain Good Nature, Sweetneſs, Softneſs, Compaſſion, Lenity, Civility, Candour, Ingenuity, and Generoſity of Spirit.—This Benignity works differently according to the various Circumſtances of the Object, a…d extends to all it's Concerns. Thus, in Caſe of our Neighbours Welfare and Felicity, it will move our Joy, and create Satisfaction. Duty obliges us to Rejoyce with them that do Rejoyce, (Rom. 12. 15.) an… Charity (where it reigns in any Soul) does incline and excite hereunto. A true Spirit of Kindneſs is utterly inconſiſtent with prevailing Envy. Hence the Apoſtle ſeperates theſe Two, 1. Cor. 13. 4. Charity is kind, Charity envieth not. A Charitable kind Temper will not repine but rejoyce at the Proſperity of others, when it is for God's Glory, will be ſincerely glad to ſee them flouriſhing in the World, riſing in their Reputation, and various p. 8temporal Intereſts, reigning in Peace, Wealth & Power: But eſpecially Chriſtian Kindneſs will rejoyce greatly to ſee Men walking …n the Truth, to ſee their Souls proſper; will delight it ſelf in the growing abundance of their Spiritual Glories, Delights and Riches. Charity rejoyceth not in Iniquity: but rejoyceth in the Truth, (1 Cor. 13. 6.) Upright Chriſtians have no greater Joy than this, 2 Epiſt. Joh. 4.—Further, In Ca…e of Adverſity, This Kindneſs will excite our affectionate Sympathy with our Neighbour; It will make us weep with them that weep, (Rom. 12. 15.) and bear the Burdens of other…, (Gal. 6. 2.) and with bleeding Bowels mourn and grieve, when Providence frowns on 'em, and blaſts their Credit, Health, and Worldly Intereſts: But above all, it will draw forth our compaſſionate Regards to them under Spiritual Troubles; will make us commiſerate impenitent Sinners under the inſupportable weights of Guilt, and Fear and Miſery that lie upon them; and pity the Saints under their various Griefs, and Doubts, and Cares and Infirmities, which lie as ſo many Loads upon them.—A truly Chriſtian benign Spirit has a …ender fellow-feeling with them under all … grieved for the affliction of Joſeph, and remembers them that are in Bonds, as bound with them, and them which ſuffer adverſity, as Suffering with them. In a Word, It divides both Joys and Griefs. It deeply reſents and ſhares in, both the Evil and the Good, which others meet with. 'Tis the Language of a charitable Spirit, That,—Who is ſtrong and I am not ſtrong? who is weak and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 2 Cor. 11. 29.—Further, In caſe of Injuries and Affronts receiv'd, it is ſlow to anger, deſirous to forbear, and ready to forgive. We read, Jo…l 2. 13. The Lord is merciful and gracious, ſlow to anger and of great kindneſs. And He wou'd have us ſhow our kindneſs in the ſame manner. Eph. 4. 32. Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Chriſt's ſake hath forgiven you. And this is the Diſpoſition of á truly Chriſtian temper. Hence p. 9Kindneſs, Meekneſs, Long-Suffering, &c. …are in our Text joyn'd together as of near affinity. And we read, (1 Cor. 13. 4, 5, 7.) Charity ſuffereth long, and i… kind, is not eaſily provoked, beareth all things. It is not haſty nor ſevere in it's Reſentments; It chains up our Paſſions, and will not ſuffer them to riſe into tranſports of fury, and boil up to exceſſive heights upon every petty Diſpleaſure, nor wi… ſuffer Revenge to faſten on our Thot's, or Anger to reſt in our Boſoms: but makes us eaſy to be entreated, inclines us to long for bearing, and enables us quickly to digeſt an injury; knowing that 'tis the diſcretion of a Man to defer his anger, and his glory to paſs over a Tranſgreſſion.—Moreover, In Caſe of the Infirmities of our Brethren, a Charitable Kind Spirit will diſpoſe us to bear 'em, and conceal 'em. We are bidden to receive him that is weak in the Faith, and to bear the infirmities of the weak. And we are told, that Charity will cover the multitude of Sins; Sins of common infirmity, and groſſer Sins reformed. It will excite us not only to hide them from the view of others, but alſo to put 'em (as much as poſſible) out of our own …ight, to bury them in Oblivion; to excuſe and make the beſt of them: True Charity will keep us back from evil Surmiſings, rigorous Cenſures, and ſevere Criticiſms on our Neighbours Conduct. It will make us candid in our Interpretation of what others ſay and do; applauding what is Good, and ſetting it off with all the advantages that the diſcretion of an honeſt heart can ſuggeſt, and forbearing to aggravate what is Bad. It will make us jealous over our ſelves leaſt we call Good, Evil, and Sweet, Bitter; 'twill make us cautious not from ſingle acts to infer a rooted cuſtom; cautious how we judge of Men's Principles and Ends in any action, and wary not to draw up any raſh concluſion from inevident Symptoms, and undemonſtrative Circumſtances, & wary not to condemn Men upon uncertain Reports, as is too much the manner of an uncharitable World; but is as criminal, as common. And it will make us take heed that we don't condemn beyond the Importance, as well p. 10as Evidence, of the Fact; careful not to imagine Bad worſe, induſtriouſly to lay on weight, & load an apparent Failing with unreaſonable Aggravations; to roll it like a Snow-ball, and make a Mountain of a Mole hill; to doom that "a mortal Plague, which may be only one of the Spots of God's Children".'Tis a Maxim in Law, that, In d…biis …emper fit praeſum…io in meliorem partem; as One informs me. And then in all doubtful and difficult Caſes, where there is room for a favourable ſenſe, and which will fairly admit of a good Conſtruction, as Chriſtianity does oblige, ſo Charity will engage, us to think the Beſt, to make all poſſible Allowances & Abatements, leaſt we ſhou'd be over-wiſe, and righteous overmuch. We read, 1 Cor. 13. 5, 7. Charity thinketh no Evil, covereth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity will keep us from being too curious and ſcrupulous, nice and captious, apt to take offence and ſtr…t to mark what is amiſs. The Charitable Chriſtian finds ſo much out of order at home, that he has little will to gaze abroad; He finds ſo much work for Self-judging, and ground for Self-loathing, that he has very little leiſure to play the Momus on his Neighbours.—But Furthermore, in Caſe of Difference of Opinion in ſome leſſer Matters, (that don't ſtrike at the Foundation, and in which the Godly Learned are of …arious minds,) we ſhould ſee to it that we be wiſe unto Sobriety, that we do nothing by partiality, but judge righteous Judgment, that we don't over-interpret and blacken the ſuppoſed Errors of others, but put the faireſt Gloſſes upon them, and allow to others the privilege of every Plea, that may be made in their Excuſe, from Ignorance or Weakneſs, from the prepoſſeſſions of Education▪ from the influence of others upon them, from Perſonal Prejudices, or invincible Temptations, or from the want of neceſſary means for their Conviction, &c. And we muſt be careful not to lay too great weight upon the Matters in variance, nor be too ſtiff and tenacious of our conceits, but in lowlineſs of p. 11mind be ready to ſuſpect our own Judgment, (the Beſt being ſuch as know but in part,) and take heed that we be not divided in affection from thoſe, from whom we differ in Apprehenſion, that our unhappy Diſſention of Judgments bree…, not a more unhappy Diſ-union of Hearts, but that notwithſtanding the contrariety of our Opinions, we keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace and Love, each eſteeming other better than himſelf.

THUS I've conſider'd the Grace of Kindneſs, as 'tis ſeated in the Heart. In the next place,—

2. IT may be conſidered, as Exhibited in our Lives. Kindneſs muſt be not only our Temper, but our Practice: and indeed the more 'tis our Temper, the more 'twill be our Practice.

1. IT muſt be ſhown in Speaking Kindly. Our Language ſhould expreſs our inward Affection, and breath univerſal Amity. Out of the abundance of the Heart, the Mouth ſhou'd ſpeak forth the words of truth and ſoberneſs, of Love and Kindneſs. It is part of the Character of a Virtuous Woman, Prov. 31. 29. She openeth her mouth with wiſdom, and in her tongue is the law of Kindneſs. The Law of Love written in the heart, ſhou'd influence and govern the Tongue, and dictate the moſt ingratiating, the moſt endearing Expreſſions. A kind Spirit will put us upon ſeeking out acceptable words. A ſoft Anſwer and goodly Words are the Dialect of Sincere Charity.—Our Diſcourſe for the Matter of it ſhou'd be under the direction and reſtraint of the great Law of Kindneſs. In Conference with one another we ſhould ſpeak Things benign & grateful weighty, uſeful and entertaining.Omne tulit punctum, qui miſ…uit Utile Dulci. We ſhould be careful to let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouths, but that which is good to the uſe of edifying: and all Evil-ſpeaking muſt be put away from us. We muſt guard againſt every Thing, that carries in it Malevolence, Pride, Inſult or Provocation, muſt lay aſide all hard ſpe…hes, grievous words that ſtir up anger; & all fooliſh Jeſting, which p. 12is not convenient; bring no railing accuſation, nor evil Imprecations. 'Tis for a foul-mouth'd Shimei to curſe, a blaſphemous Rabſhakeh to revile, or a bloody Jezebel to inſult and threaten. And then in our Talk of others, we muſt take heed le…t we at any time or in any meaſure incur—that foul Character the Apoſtle gives of ſome, (1 Tim. 5. 13.) Tatlers, Buſy-bodies, ſpeaking Things which they ought not. We muſt ſhun Whiſpering, Tale-bearing, the fuel of ſtrife, and Backbiting, the quench-coal of Love, and common Plague of the World. When we talk of others, Let it be of the Good Things that may be found in them; which is ever the more humane and …he more honorable Part. If we give our mouth to evil, and our tongue frame deceit, we treſpaſs upon the common Laws of Equity and Humanity, and forfeit that bleſſed Character of a Citizen of Zion, which …s given in Pſal. 15. 3. He backbiteth not with his tongue, nor taketh up a reproach againſt his Neighbour.—And further, as to the Manner of our ſpeaking, It ſhou'd be temper'd with Goodneſs, and ſweetned with Benignity. Our Speech, both as to the Phraſe and Delivery, ſhou'd be ſoft, familiar and winning. Indeed we muſt not wheedle and cajole, fawn and flatter, ſooth and complement; having men's Perſons in admiration becauſe of advantage. Neither may we on the contrary ſnap and ſnarl, or huff and hector, nor yet flout and ridicule. 'Tis for a wicked Iſhmael to ſcoff, a churliſh Nabal to anſwer roughly, for the proud Babylonians to bellow as Bulls, for a treacherous Judas to ſpeak with flattering Lips, 'tis for Children to throw dirt and ſquibbs in each others face, and for Madmen to caſt Arrows and Firebrands at one another: and ſeeſt thou a man haſty in his words, there is more hope of a Fool than of him.—Our Speech ſhou'd always be with Grace, ſeaſoned with S…lt. (Eph. 4. 6.) Salt, in alluſion to its uniting Quality, was among the Hebrews an uſual and apt Metaphor for Peace and Friendſhip. Unto which our Saviour very plainly alludes, Mar. 9. 50. Have Salt in your ſelves and Peace one with another.—Our Lip… p. 13ſhou'd ſpeak Peace, and our Converſation …avour of a well-diſpoſed and good Nature. We ſhou'd be affable, communicative and uſe an honeſt freedom, and alſo be reſpectful and courteous, avoiding all harſ… Sounds, all jarring Notes, and grating Accents. 'Twas Naphtali's famous Character,—That, Gen. 49. 21. He giveth goodly words: And this muſt be our endeavour if we wou'd approve our ſelves the Peaceable in Iſrael. The ſincere Love of the Heart ſhould flow out at the Lips. Upon all occaſions our Speech both as to matter and manner ſhould be kind. Thus In adminiſtring Reproofs; in doing this we muſt not caſt Stones and ſhoot Arrows at our Brother, nor give hard and biting Language, as the manner of ſome is. Our Hearts ſhould be ſteel'd with Courage, and yet the Admonition be temper'd with Compaſſion, which will be an excellent oyl that will not break the Head, but will tend to ſoften the Heart and heal the wounds of Sin. Even when the Caſe requires us to be ſomewhat warm and ſanguine, and to rebuke ſharply, yet, then Brotherly kindneſs ſhou'd bridle our Tongue, indite and order our Speech, ſo as that our Rebukes may not ſound like the cutting Revilings of a wrathful Enemy, but the compaſſionate Chidings of a diſpleaſed Friend. We muſt not dreſs our Reproofs in Satyr, not launch out into undue vexatious Comments & Invectives. We muſt exerciſe a godly jealouſy over our ſelves le…t at any time there be out breakings of vicious wrath, and we deceive our ſelves by palliating it with the fair, but falſe, pretence of pious Zeal. To offer cloſe convincing Expoſtulations, allay'd with the Correctives of humble loving Expreſſions, is the method of a wiſe Reprover. A ſoft tongue breaketh the Bones.—So in managing our Conteſts and Diſputes with one another we ſhould put away all bitterneſs and wrath and clamour and evil ſpeaking. We ſhould ſpeak the truth in Love, even when we contend earneſtly for the Faith. We ſhou'd endeavour fairly to ſtate, and mildly to debate matters in difference, with eaſy words and unru…l'd paſſions. 'Tis preſcribed particularly as the Duty of a p. 14Miniſter (who by Office is ſet for the defence of the Truth,) that He muſt be apt to teach, no ſtriker, but patient, not a Brawler. (1 Tim. 3. 2, 3.) But this Rule is of equal Obligation upon All; none have a Licence to ſmite with the Tongue, the Tongue of Deceit, nor the Tongue of Calumny. There ſhould be no Noiſe of Axes and Hammers in the Houſe of God. The Servant of the Lord muſt …ot ſtrive, or be contentious, but gentle unto all men, in meekneſs inſtructing thoſe that oppoſe, endeavouring to convince them by ſound Doctrine, and ſound Speech that cannot be condemned. We ſhou'd for bear all Perſonal Reflections, & blakning Contumelies, all needleſs Gainſayings and perverſe Diſputings, all intemperate Heat, Eagerneſs, & Impatience of Contradiction. And we ſhou'd repreſent the Adverſaries Opinion and Arguments candidly, and not go about to aggravate them by ſtrain'd Innuendo's and forc'd Inſinuations, to put falſe colours upon 'em and faſten to them all the ill conſequences, which a critical Eye may think it diſcerns. We muſt judge charitably, equitably, (as we would have our Opponent judge of us,) and not dig up miſchief as evil men do, nor (as is too much the faſhion of an envious captious World) brand every ſlip or ſide-ſtep as an Apoſtacy, call every miſapprehenſion an Hereſy▪ nor vote every little Miſcariage worthy of Excommunication; or ſend Men to Hell preſently as Reprobates, becauſe they are not in every Punctilio of our mind, or cannot fall in with our meaſures. We muſt honour all men, and not trample on any, and ſet thoſe among the Dogs of our Flock, whom for ought we know Chriſt hath ſet with the Lambs of His. Mr. Henry.—Theſe are Methods that are very contrary to the Laws and very injurious to the Intereſts of Chriſtanity. The Scourge of the Tongue has driven more out of the Temple, than ever it drove into it The Sons of Thunder, whoſe Tongues are ſet on Fire of Hell, do by their …oul breath, by the noiſome Fumes of their untemper'd Zeal, not a little cloud the Light of the Truth, and …ully the p. 15Beauty of Religion. By the …y and violence of the Conteſt, they often Shipwrack a great deal of Love, and do that hurt to the common cauſe of Chriſt, that the Defence of the point in controverſy will never be able to make amends for. Thus the Remedy is ſometimes of worſe conſequence, than the Diſeaſe. Truly were there more Love mingled with our Reaſoning, Benignitas Diſſidentibus Magnes & magnus perſuadendi Art…f…x.this would ſhine with a ſtronger Light and more convincing Evidence. The words of wiſe men are heard in quiet, and prevail more than the cry of him that ruleth among …ools. In a word, If any man teach otherwiſe & conſent not to who Home words. He is proud. We ought to avoid (as much as we can) all vain Bablings and oppoſition of Science falſely ſo called. We ſhould not be of a Diſputatious Wrangling Spirit, and have an Itch of Arguing: and when we happen to be got into an Argument we muſt not be fierce, noiſy, dogmatical, or pertinacious: but meek, gentle, condeſcending, yielding. Job in Diſpute is not unwilling to put the Caſe, Be it indeed that I have erred. —And now, theſe Rules will hold Good, not only with reſpect to ſuch Diſputes as ariſe from differing Sentiments in matters of Faith and Opinion, (which I have had particular reference to,) but alſo with reſpect to ſuch as ariſe from various apprehenſions about matters of Fact, and from interfering Claims, in matters of Right & Property.—But how contrary to theſe Rules is the general Practice of the World? What little Love is their to be found in their Diſputes, in their Diſcourſe and Converſe? How faulty are the Beſt, in this point, on every occaſion? The Language even of God's Children …avours too little of Brotherly Kindneſs. Among them there is too much of mutual Galling and Jangling, Exacerbation & Bickering one with another. And among others there are many unruly & vain Talkers & Deceivers:—a Generation of Vipers are they, a ſort of ſpeaking Brutes, they ſharpen their Tongues like a Serpent, Adders poiſon p. 16is under their L…ps; Their words are often as pointed Darts, and their Pens are dipt in Gall and Vinegar.—There are ſome ſuch Hot-Spurrs, ſuch High Spirits, that they can hardly change a few words with any, eſpecially with Inferiours, but preſently they muſt claſh, muſt fall into a peeviſh out-rage, give a looſe to their indignation, and as raging waves foam out their own ſhame. They are too like churliſh Nabal, who was ſuch a Son of Belial, that a man could not ſpeak to …. They are ſo humourſome and vexatious, that thoſe of their own Houſe and the Neighbourhood may take up the Lamentation and ſay, that Briars & Thorns are with them, and that they dwell among Scorpions, and the man that ſhall touch them had need be fenced with Iron & the ſtaff of a Spear. Curſed be their Anger for it is fierce & their Wrath for it is cruel.—O my Soul come not thou into their Society; Unto their Aſſembly, mine Honour, be not … united.—When I behold one in a Paſſion & Rage, methinks, I ſee ſomething like Ezek…e…'s Viſion,—A Whirlwind, a great Cloud & a Fire enfolding it!—and it alſo puts me in mind of Elijah's Revelation.—Behold, The Lord paſſed by & a great & ſtrong Wind rent the Mountains, & brake in pieces the Rocks, but the Lord was not in the wind; & after the Wind an Earthquake, and after that a Fire, but the Lord was in neither of them: But after the Fire came a ſtill ſmall Voice, and God was preſent.—Where the Spirit of God dwells and rules in any Soul, He makes His appearance not in a Storm and Hurricane, in wild noiſe, and flame; He ſhall not cry nor His voice be heard in the Street.—The waters of Shiloh run ſmooth & gently. The Spirit blows powerfully; yet not with a rough Wind, but a ſweet and gentle Gale. And if we are led by the Spirit, our Moderation will be known unto all men. Our Lips will drop honey: and not ſpit venome, or ſpeak Fire. Huſbands will not be bitter againſt their Wives, nor Wives refuſe ſubjection to their own Huſbands: Parents will not be apt to provoke their Children, nor Children to ſpeak with froward & perverſe L…ps. p. 17Maſters will forbear Threatning: Servants will not be apt to anſwer again, &c. Our Speech on all occaſions will drop as the Dew & diſtill as the ſmall Rain: We ſhall be ſmooth-tongu'd to all, and ſpeak 'em fair, but this in ſimplicity, not ſpeaking l…es in hypocriſy; as Achitophel, whoſe words were ſmoother than Butter and ſofter than Oyl, when at the ſame time War was in his heart, & drawn Swords under the inſidious cover of his profuſe Blandiſhments. So Joab ſmil'd & ſtab'd together, in the ſame inſtant embrac'd his Friend and imbru…d hands in his Blood.—They that are ſuch, who cry Peace, Peace, where their is no Peace, and by good words & fair ſpeeches go about to deceive, verily they ſerve not our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, as the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Rom. 16. 18.

2. OUR Kindneſs ſhould influence our Actions and Deportment towards others. We muſt love not only in Word & Tongue; but alſo in Deed & Demeanour. Some interpret the Original Word [foreign] as intending a certain Placedneſs,Morum facilitatem & ſuavitatem, Comitatem, Urbanitatem, &c. Civility, Courteouſneſs, Sweetneſs and Eaſineſs in our Behaviour, whereby we endeavour to pleaſe others, & willingly accommodate our ſelves to them for their Good. So that of the Apoſtle, (Rom. 15. 2.) may be taken as a Deſcription and an Injunction of the Duty in our Text,—Let every one pleaſe his Neighbour for his Good to Edification.

THIS Virtue may be conſider'd, as oppoſite to Pride and Scorn: Contrary to this Good Behaviour is a Lofty, Domineering, Neglectful Carriage, a Magiſterial, Inſolent, Regardleſs, Supercilious Air; Taking State and keeping a Diſtance: and being difficult of Acceſs: So all Actions and Geſtures imperious and diſdainful, a big Look, haughtineſs of Countenance and Po…ure, pointing with the Finger, Shooting out the Lip, o… Tongue; and ſo all Mimical Poſtures & cruel Mockings; 'Tis a part of the Character of a Godly Man, that He …itteth not in the ſeat of the Scornful. It was the unhappy Complaint p. 18of Job, My Friends ſcorn me, mine Enemies have gaped …pon me with their mouth, They've ſmitten me on the cheek …proachfully. Mine Acquaintance are eſtranged from me, and my familiar Friends have forgotten me, yea, Young Children deſpiſed me; I a…oſe and they ſpake againſt me, &c.

AGAIN, This Virtue may be conſider'd, as oppoſite to raſh Anger & Paſſion: Contrary to this good Behaviour, is a fiery and furious Carriage, a being impatient and in a flame upon every little Diſguſt; Riſing up haſtily, knitting the brow and ſharpening the Eyes, & darting wild Looks, ſtamping with the Poor, gnaſhing with the Teeth, ſnaking the Cane, doubling the Fiſt, taking by the Throat, Fighting, Dueling, &c. All which is unmanly & unchriſtian. Sour, Waſpiſh, Fierce & Boiſterous Turbulent Carriages are unbecoming the Diſciples of the meek and lowly Jeſus, and give great occ…aſion to the Enemy to b…aſpheme; and no pretences of Temper, Cuſtom, &c. will excuſe ſuch, in the Eyes of a Jealous God.

AGAIN, Contrary to this Virtue is an affected Ruſticity and Clowniſhneſs: as refuſing the decent Ceremony of the Hat or Knee,Some Things I take leave to mention here, (as alſo afterwards,) tho' more proper under a former Held. courteous Greetings & Farewells, and other Civilities of common Converſe; and neglecting to give Perſons their proper Titles of Reſpect, and …o ſhow reverence to Superiours according to their ſeveral Characters, Stations and Relations, not rend…ing Honour to whom Honour belongs; contrary to that of the Apoſtle, Rom. 13. 7 and contrary to the very Light of Nature, tending to deſtroy all Diſtinctions of Order and Quality among Men, & throw all into Confuſion.—Allowance indeed is to be granted in theſe Things for difference of Education: but when Perſons affect a ru… courſe Carriage, they are to be condemned as walking diſorderly. Religion is no Friend to Rudeneſs and Incivility. It is Propheſy'd to the Praiſe of the Tribe of p. 19Naphtali, that they ſhould be of a refin'd polite and amiable Mein, comparable to the ſmoothneſs and ſweetneſs of the loving Hind, (Gen. 49. 21.) Good Breeding is a worthy Excellency, when managed with Prudence, and not degenerating into courtly Servility, ceremonious Foppery, and impertinent Officiouſneſs. The Chriſtian and the Gentleman, Serious Piety and true Gentility, are well conſiſtent; …ay give a luſtre to each other, and in conjunction each appears moſt amiable and ſhines with a peculiar charm. It is an ill ſign, when a Man's Religion corrupts his good manners, and diſpoſes him to be diſreſpectful to others and forgetful of his Duty & Diſtance, and ſuch do deform themſelves, and blemiſh their Profeſſion. … was a rough Man: but Jacob was a ſmooth Man: and it was not well done of Jacob in perſonating his Brother to diſguiſe himſelf with the Skins of Goats. 'Tis Mr. Henry's apt reflection upon this.—That they who affect to ſeem rough and rugged in their Carriage, do put the Beaſt upon the Man, and really diſgrace themſelves by diſguiſing themſelves.

AGAIN, A too great Auſterity and Rigidneſs is diſagreeable to a true Spirit of Kindneſs, and unbecoming the Chriſtian Profeſſion. Religion does not conſiſt in, nor encourage to, Stoical Reſervedneſs, Severity, Formality, …our Looks, demure Carriage, Unſociableneſs, and the like. Our Saviour has left us an Example, contrary to and condemning this Carriage. He was free, familiar, open, affable, friendly, (as well as Holy,) in all manner of Converſation. A viſible ſweetneſs reigned in His Countenance, and whole Behaviour. A mixture of Gravity and Pleaſancy, is moſt agreeable to the true Temper of Chriſtianity, and moſt adorns the Doctrine of God our Saviour. Allowance indeed is to be made for ſome Tempers and Circumſtances: but when Auſterity is needleſly affected, 'tis highly to be condemned.

AGAIN, A prevailing Stiffneſs & Humour ſ…mneſs in our way, is diſagreeable to a true Spirit of Kindneſs. A being ſelf will'd, ſelf-pleaſers altogether in Caſes of indifferency ſhows very little of a Chriſtian Temper. To be p. 20immoderately tenacious, and inflexible in maintaining our own Rights and Practices, unapt to recede from our particular Humour, to pleaſe others for their Good, is not to act as becometh the Goſpel. In the School of Chriſtianity we are taught the great Leſſon o… Self denial, and the generous Art of Obliging. It is but acting a Chriſtian part to be condeſcending and complying, in reſpect of the lawful Cuſtoms, Humours and Manners of the Places and Times we live in, and the Company we converſe with. Thus the Apoſtle Paul profeſſes himſelf a Servant to all for Jeſus ſake; repreſents himſelf as becoming all things to all men, and ſtudious to pleaſe men in all things. And we are bidden to follow him, as he followed Chriſt herein. We muſt conſider one another, and ſubmit our ſelves one to another, as free, & not uſing our Liberty as a cloak of maliciouſneſs, but as the Servants of God. We ſhou'd ſtudy the Tempers of Men, their Humours and Practices, and whatſoever Things are juſt, whatſoever Things are honeſt, whatſoever Things are lovely, whatſoever Things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praiſe, think of theſe Things, and put them in practice. The affecting needleſs ſingularity, and indulging our ſelves in the perverſe frowardneſs of walking contrary unto others, is very inconſiſtent with the wiſdom which is eaſy to be intreated. This Character of the wiſdom that is from Above, [foreign]ſpeaks a virtue that is complying; which is the genuine meaning of the Original Word, a Diſpoſition obſequious, tractable, complaiſant: a Temper that will influence us, patiently to ſuffer our lawful Liberty to be narrow'd by the juſt Laws of the Higher Powers, and to retrench it our ſelves in a charitable condeſcenſion unto weak Conſciences; taking heed leſt by any means this Liberty of ours become a ſtumbling-block to them that are weak.—But when I ſpeak of Compliance, I mean not a yielding in matters of Duty, but of Liberty, in Caſes of Indifferency or of bare Expediency. I mean not a Time-ſerving Flexibility, ſervile Popularity, and following the Multitude to do Evil. I mean not a criminal p. 21Connivence, and falling in with our Company in ſinful ways; nor the mean Arts of Sycophantry, whereby abject Spirits ſtudy to get or grow in the favour of Great Men upon whom they have a dependence, by applying and adapting themſelves unto the various humours of ſuch.—I mean not a Compliance with others in any thing that ſhall be prejudicial to them, to their Souls eſpecially: or that ſhall injure and endanger our own Souls. We ſtretch the Complement too far, when our Complaiſance. betrays us into any breach of Duty and Conſcience.—But I mean a Compliance only in a point of Chriſtian Liberty: a foregoing our own Inclination and Pleaſure, yea and Intereſt too, when the ſo doing hath an influence conſiderable upon the Reputation of Religion, the Spiritual Benefit of others, and the Tranquility of the Publick.—Suitable to this was Abraham's prudent condeſcention in the unhappy Conteſt between him and Lot. Gen. 13. 8, 9 And ſo was the carriage of the Council,—[Act. 15.] in their not inſiſting upon the ſtrict Right of Things, but accommodating thoſe Controverſies of the Primitive Times about the Jewiſh Rites, by ſuch a moderate Expedient, as might moſt effectually heal and compoſe thoſe Differences.

3. KINDNESS is to be ſhown, in a chearful Performance, and a thankful Acceptance of all Offices of Love. (1.) In doing Kindneſſes to others.Significatur Voce [foreign] Facilitas ac Promptitudo praeſtandi Beneficia. Bonitas ſpeciatim intelligi videtur, qua quis & a nocumentis abſtin et, ac benefacere paratus eſt.—Beneficentia, etiam ſumma, inſignis, prorſus immerita, gratuita, &c. Vid. Leigh. Critic. 1 Par. p. 79. & 2 P. p. 287. & Sup. p. 39 In this ſenſe the Oririginal Word in our Text, is by many interpreted, as a ſtudying the Good and Benefit of others; a Readineſs to do all Acts of Kindneſs; an Eaſineſs to be uſed and employed for the Good of others: & indeed a promptneſs to exceed herein, and freely to do Good Deeds for others, beyond what either p. 22our Duty, … …oes ſtrictly challenge. So the… … R…m. 2.4. D…ſpiſeſt thou the Riches of His Goodneſs? … the … anſwering to that …n our Text… …. Thou haſt ſhewed unto David great mercy,—and—great kindneſs. … Moſt men will proclaim ever… … his own Goodneſs. The word in … places evidently …—They then that put on Kindneſs … L…beral in … Rich in Good Works … to all B…tifulneſs▪ ready to diſtribute▪ … Communicate, & to ſerve others in Love. By our works muſt Kindneſs be made perfect▪ … what d…th … profi… We read, Prov. 10 22. The de…re of … kindneſs: and a poor man is better than a L…r. There are a …ort of …word Men… whoſe Kindneſs all expires and terminates in fruitleſs Deſires and empty Good-Wiſhes: who give ſmooth wor…s and make … Pretences of doing mighty Things▪ put all their … Profeſſions & Promiſes come to …ttle or … Poor Man who does Good according to what …e …, … whoſe Heart exceeds …, is better than thoſe. From ſuch an One … accents the Deſire for the Deed, take the … Work. But where God has furniſhed any with Advantages & Opportunities of Doing Good, He expects …: And where a …nciple of Loving-Kindneſs prevails, will make a Man … and ſtudious to be a Publick Good, and a common … to his Generation to ſerve both Church and State according to his Talent, and to do all the good Turns which he is able for thoſe within the Sphere of … activity and …, and that not of conſtraint, in a …our and …elucting condeſcention to the importunity of ſuch as ask a … ▪ but of a ready mind, and with all the tokens of Good-will, … his kindneſs is no more Kindneſs. The kind Chriſtian will not be for monopolizing and appropriating his Gifts and Accompliſhments▪ Abilities and poſſeſſions. Time and Talents, wholly to himſelf… but he has a generous Ambition in the uſe of all to ſeek the profit of …. He will p. 23give all diligence to promote the Good of the Souls of others, will heartily endeavour the Reformation of Sinners, and the Edification of Saints, by Praying for them, by adminiſtring Inſtruction, Advice, Admonition, Exhortation, Conſolation, &c. to them as the matter may require; and alſo be ready to ſerve their external temporal Intereſts, to defend their juſt Rights, Liberties and Enjoyments, to protect their Perſons in a time of danger, to relieve them in their various diſtreſſes, & ſupply them in their neceſſities, and aſſiſt them in whatſoever buſineſs they have need of him: and alſo to their Good Name, to ſecure their riſing Credit, or ſupport their ſinking Reputation, and vindicate abuſed Innocence againſt the unjuſt aſſaults of Calumny.—Theſe, and ſuch like Services, a truly Kind Chriſtian will do for others. Such friendly Aſſiſtences he juſtly accounts ſo many due Debts, and holds himſelf bound to diſcharge the ſame.

AGAIN, Kindneſs is ſeen and ſhown in a thankful Accepting of Good Offices from others, and a readineſs (when their is occaſion) to come under, and make acknowledgment of, Obligations to others. A Commerce or Reciprocation of Good Deeds, a mutual Giving and Accepting of Kindneſs, is one conſiderable Point of good Neighbourhood. A free Asking, and Receiving, Kindneſſes of others, as their is need, diſcovers no little good Nature and Friendſhip, and may be called Paſſive Goodneſs and Generoſity. But it ſpeaks a certain Malignity, to be unwilling to make uſe of others at all, (as if one were independent and ſelf-ſufficient,) and be backward to be obliged or beholden unto any, and …urlily to reject kind Offers and Propoſals made. This malignity is ſeen in ſpurning at juſt Reproofs, refuſing wiſe and reaſonable Advice, neceſſary Charities, &c. Further, It is the Property of a truly Chriſtian temper, to make ſuitable Acknowledgment of the Bonds we are under to others; to be apt to aggravate Benefits receiv'd, and ready to make all proper Returns and Requitals, in ſuch a way and manner as ſpeaks Humility, Gratitude and p. 24Benevolence: and not ſo as will bewray Pride, Envy, Ill-will, uneaſineſs and impatience under, and a ſullen haſte to diſcharge our ſelves of, our Obligations.

AND thus I've in ſome ſort ſtated the true Nature of Kindneſs, and ſhown what is imply'd in the Duty of the Text. Paſs we now to another Thing propos'd, which was—

II. To conſider the Extent of this Kindneſs.

AND here in a Word, It is of univerſal Comprehenſion, and that as to the Object and Subject, and Act. It muſt (as to the Object) be diffuſive, catholick, not under confinement to any particular Perſon, but impartially diſpenſing its generous influences unto All, according to ability and opportunity. There is Kindneſs due to all of every Language, Condition, Temper and Perſwaſion. Our Kindneſs muſt not be confin'd within the narrow Precincts of our own Nation, Land, Town, Church, Neighbourhood, Kindred or Family, nor limited to thoſe of our particular Party, of our way, Principles & Humour, &c. It muſt reach unto all, whether our own Countrymen, Acquaintants & Relatives, or Strangers, Aliens & Foreigners, whether Friends or Foes; whether agreeing with us, or differing from us, in a Perſwaſion and Inclination; whether Jew or Gentile; Bond or Free; High or Low, Rich or Poor; Good or Bad. We muſt be gentle unto all men and do good unto all men, but eſpecially unto them, who are of the houſhold of faith, (Cal. 6. 10.) and that to all the Saints, (Col. 1. 4.)—Again, This Kindneſs ſhou'd be univerſal in regard of the Subject: as all Perſons have a right to this Kindneſs from others, in point of Privilege: So all are under Obligation to ſhew this Kindneſs unto others in point of Duty. It is what concerns All, whether Superiors, Inferiors, or Equals. Either the Act, or at leaſt the Principle, muſt be found in all, without any Exception.—Again, This Kindneſs ſhou'd be univerſal, as to the Exerciſes of it. We ſhould be ready to all thoſe various Acts and Carriages, which are expreſſive of this Temper; and ſhould practiſe this Virtue in all our ſeveral Relations, in all Buſineſſes and Concerns p. 25with others, upon all Occaſions and at all Times, in Thought, Word and Deed, according to our Power, unto our Lives End; and this without reſpect of Perſons, not knowing any man after the fleſh, not being upon any partial Conſiderations or finiſter Views Liberal in our Exhibitions of Kindneſs to One, and In…fficious to Another.—No… that we can ſuppoſe, we may not make any diſtinction between Men EMINENTLY GOOD, and EXCEEDINGLY BAD, either in conferring Benefits, in contracting Friendſhips, in Electing to Offices, in our Intimacies, or the like. Or that Chriſtianity means to root out all Diſtinction of Orders and Offices among Men, and to bring Superiours and Inferiours upon one common Level, and to entitle all (of however different Qualifications or Degrees▪ to the ſame Expreſſions of Honour, Reſpect and Love, Putting no difference: No; but what Chriſtianity demands of us, is that we Love all with the ſame Sincerity, and that we have the ſame forwardneſs to do all Proper Offices of Kindneſs, and pay all due and ſuitable reſpects to One as to Another, doing nothing by Partiality.

I come now—

III. TO conſider what Grounds of Obligation and Encouragement there are to Chriſtian Kindneſs.

I Shall ſingle out from among many others the few following Arguments, which I ſhall but glance upon. As,

1. TO be Kind to others, is required of us by many Divine Precepts. Beſides our Text, there are multitudes of other Scriptures that bind this upon All. Thus, Eph. 4. 32. Be ye kind one to another, So 1 Pet. 3. 8. Love as Brethren. Be Pitiful, be courteous. This indeed is one of the great and capital Laws of the Goſpel, and of the ſame Obligation and Importance with the Law of Faith. Hence Faith in Chriſt, and Love to our Neighbour, are enjoyned together, as one and the ſame Commandment, 1 Joh. 3. 23.—And now, do we profeſs Homage to the bleſſed God, as our Lawgiver and King, and ſhall we trample on the Royal Law of Love, and tranſgreſs one of the Subſtantial and Cardinal p. 26Duties of Religion, peremptorily enjoyned, very frequently and moſt earneſtly preſſed and inculcated upon us? If we think we can approve our ſelves obedient Children, in the neglect of this weighty matter of the Law, we groſly delude our ſelves.

2. THIS is to imitate the Beſt Patterns. Beſides the many Examples of the Saints, who have obtained a good Report, we have the moſt engaging Example of the Bleſſed God, and of our gracious Saviour. Our Heavenly Father is of great Kindneſs, full of Compaſſion, and abundant in Goodneſs; He is kind, even to the unthankful and the Evil. Well then may we make that Inference, of our Saviour, (Luk. 6. 36.) Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father alſo is merciful: And that of the Apoſtle (1 Joh. 4. II.) Beloved, if God ſo loved us, we ought to love one another. Conformity to God is Man's chief Excellency and Beauty. God's Goodneſs, or Kindneſs is what He reputes His chief Glory and deareſt Perfection. And ſhall we not aſpire after this bright and ſhining Character of the Divine Image? Be ye imitators of God as dear Children, & walk in Love, Eph. 5. 1, 2. Moreover our Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath left us an Example, that we ſhould follow His Steps. ye know the Grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Kindneſs & Love of God our Saviour, How He Pleaſed not Himſelf, went about doing Good, follow'd after the Things which make for Peace, and abounded in all the various Offices of Love to the Souls and Bodies of Men. And His Example is monitory of our Duty, and bids us Go & Do likewiſe. Phil. 24, …. Look not every man on his own Things, but every man alſo on the Things of others. Let this mind be in you which was alſo in Chriſt Jeſus. We ſhould write after the excellent Copy, He has ſet us; and by a diligent i…itation endeavour to ſhew forth the Vertues of Him, who hath cal…ed us, elſe in vain do we call Him Lord & Maſter. If the Spirit of Chriſt (the great & common Benefactor) be not in us, in vain do we call our ſelves by His Name.

3. THIS is to act agreeably to the End of our Creation, and the true Principles of Humanity. This is becoming p. 27the Deſign of our Being, and the Dignity of ou… Nature, entirely conſonant to the genuine Dictates of natural Reaſon, and the regular inclination of the ſanctify'd Will. And it indicates a certain Greatneſs and noble Generoſity of Soul, it carries in it an unalterable Excellency and ſingular Amiableneſs. 'Tis the high commendation of this Virtue, that it's approved of men, [as well as acceptable to God] and is one of thoſe things againſt which the…e is no law, Gal.5. 22, 3. Whereas the contrary argues a narrow, little, baſe Spirit, beneath our noble Nature, bordering upon the Temper of Hell, and is hiſst at by all the World. To follow Charity and Kindneſs is but to follow Nature, & purſue one great End of our coming into the World. Hence Benignity may well be term'd Humanity.

4. THIS puts a Luſtre on all our other Excellencies. Are we wiſe or Witty, or Learned, or Dextrous in Buſineſs, or have we Wealth, or Power, or Reputation, or other Accompliſhments & Qualifications whatever, They furniſh us with ſo many Advantages for being kind▪ uſeful and beneficent to others: and the employing them to this end is what ſets the price upon them, and gives them their true Excellency. Without this they have no Glory in compariſon. This is the Excellency of Dignity, and the Excellency of Power, the Crown, the Beauty and Perfection of all our other Beauties and Perfections. This (even Ceteris paribus,) all things elſe alike makes … Man more Excellent than his Neighbour, and more honourable than his Brethren.

5. THIS is one diſtinguiſhing Character, & Cognizance of a Child of God. This is mentioned as one eminent Effect and Fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5. 27.—And in our Text it is brought in as a Sign and Argument of our Election, Sanctification and Acceptance with God. Put on (as the Elect of God, Holy & Beloved,) Kindneſs. And it is obſerved, that the Word which in our Bibles is Godly is ſometimes in the Original Kind. Thus Pſal. 4. 3. Know that the Lord hath ſet apart him that is Godly, for Himſelf. So Pſal. 60. 10.—And in other Places, where we find in our Tranſlation The Saints, it is in the Hebrew p. 28The Kind ones. Thus pſal. 148 14. He exalteth the Horn of His People, the praiſe of all H… Saints;—a people near unto Him. So in the next Pſalm … Verſes.—All which plainly intimates, that true Kindneſs … Companion & … Evidence of true Godlineſs.

6. THIS recomm… … to the …teem and … of Others. It has all happy tendency to invite … the common Friendſhip and … Love … We read, Ho…. 11. 4. … th… … with bands of … that Men are … drawn … …neſs, … is no ſuch powerful … and endearing attract …word. There are no … engagements … and reſpect. … gen…ous Tempe… … …pirit …n obliging … and a readineſs to … the Offices … Humanity I … Things carry in 'em a Thouſand conquering Charms▪ enough (methinks) to melt and ſubdue the moſt on … and inflexible Diſpoſition. When a Man's wa…s … pleaſe the Lord, they will pleaſe Men … and … make our very … to be at peace with us. Who … be that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is Good, …ollowers … Him that is Good in … Such are accepted in the ſight of all the People.—Now an intereſt in the anections of others, is …word o… great importance and affords many valuable advantages to … This gives us a … influence upon them, and ſingular Opportunities o… doing good to their Souls: This …eſpeaks the … of the saints for us. It likewiſe …s our Security and Re…u…e in Times of Difficulty… … which …ll in the moſt flouriſhing Condition … expect to meet with, of one … or other, more or …, ſooner or later) Such eſpecially … have been oblige… … us heretofore w…ll … be ready to …ew Kindneſs to us … every Good M…n will be … to e…eem himſelf a Debtor▪ … ſh…w himſelf a Friend unto ….—But now every ones Hand & Heart i… apt to … the unkind … David's againſt Naba… ▪ … and … Miſer.

7. THIS … promote our preſent peace & Comfort. It will yield Comfort to …, Perſonally consider'd… 'twill promote p. 29the private pleaſure of our Lives & the comfortable Enjoyment of our Selves. 'T will be a ſecret Spring of Joy and Satisfaction inexpreſſible and inexhauſtable, and will help us to eſcape the impreſſion of Evils innumerable. The felicity of a generous… …oul …s unſpeakably great. Hence the Apoſtle Peter to enforce his Exhortation to Chriſtian Kindneſs. (1… piſt. 3. 8. 9.) does in (the 10th & 11th ver.) add, For he that will lov… Life and ſee Good Days,—Let him eſchew Evil & do Good, Let him thus ſeek peace & enſue it. And then (Relatively conſider'd) it will have a moſt happy Tendency to our comfortable Living in the World How eaſy and happy ſhou'd we be in every Relation, in all manner of Converſation! The Bond of Love is the Cement o… …ellowſhip and Communion. The Comforts & Benefits of Society are very …ny, and exceeding great; and theſe very much depend upon the maintaining of mutual Kindneſs. Without this … Community can be happy & bleſſed. While this is wanting, 'tis impoſſible we ſhou'd ever experience, How good and pleaſant a Thing it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity. What's the occaſion of all the Tumults and Diſtractions of this divided Age? Whence come Striſes, and Contentions, Brangles, and Quarrels among Men? Come they not hence, even of their Luſts, that war in their members? Jam. 4. 1. The want of a … Spirit of Kindneſs, and the Reigning of Envy, Self-will and Self-love, and the harſh methods of falſe i… temperate Zeal, and unreaſonable Partiality, give riſe to no ſmall part of the Diſorders and Miſeries under which an unhappy World is groaning. Cou'd but the generous Principle of Kindneſs recover it's Power and Rule in the Hearts of Mankind, and have a governing influence upon their Action & Carriage, what a wonderful Revolution, what a bright Scene of Glory wou'd this bring on? How wou'd this prevent or ſuppreſs all unnatural Hoſtilities among the Nations; Broils, Seditions & Factions in States and Commonwealths; Schiſms, Animoſities & Confuſions in Churches; Ruptures, & Convulſions in Towns & Neighbourhoods; Eſtrangements and impertinent Ja…s and Squabbles in Houſes and Families; Heart-burnings, p. 30Diſtances & Diſquietments among particular Perſons. A Spirit of Love and mutual Kindneſs wou'd ſoon ſlay all our Enmities and extinguiſh our Heats, adjuſt our Differences, and baniſh all That which embitters our Converſation at any time; it wou'd ſettle the World in Peace, and greatly ſweeten our Communion together. The Earth in this regard wou'd become a lively Emblem & Image of Heaven, the Region of Bleſſedneſs, of perfect Order, and uninterrupted Harmony; our Houſes wou'd be ſo many Temples of Peace, ſure Dwellings, and quiet reſting-Places, and Jeruſalem, as a City that is compact togegether, Beautiful for S…ituation, & the joy of the whole Earth; We ſhou'd ſee Good Days, and delight our ſelves in the abundance of Peace, if true Catholick Charity did animate and govern Societies and Perſons. But (alas') …or want of this, How often is this preſent Evil World as a Troubled Sea when it cannot reſt, a very Den of Dragons, and a mere Babel of Confuſions; full of Thunder and Storms, which throw all into an uproar and threaten to put the very Foundations out of courſe.

BUT to mention only One Thing more;—

8. & Laſtly. GOD obſerves our Behaviour in this matter, and will one Day call us to an account. The Apoſtle improves this Argument to diſpoſe us to the Chriſtian Temper, Phil. 4. 5. Let your Moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at Hand.—The Lord is at hand, as an Obſerver of our Thoughts, Deſires, Words, Actions and Carriage towards one another. A conſideration this; which ſhou'd awe us into a careful Government of our Temper & Behaviour towards others.—Again, The Lord is at Hand, as a Judge; and that both in reſpect of Providential Judgment now, to chaſtiſe our Failings, or to aſſiſt & reward our ſincere Endeavours to comply with our Duty towards others: And further in reſpect of the future Eternal Judgment. The end of all Things is at Hand, The Judge is …t the Door, who will judge the World in Righteouſneſs, & render to every man according to his Works. Then He will enquire into our Demeanour towards our Fellow-Creatures, (as well as toward Himself) p. 31And they ſhall have Judgment without Mercy, that ſhewed no mercy, Jam. 2. 13. He will render unto them that are contentious and obey unrighteouſneſs, Indignation and Wrath, Tribulation and Anguiſh upon every Soul of Man that doth Evil: But Glory, Honour & Peace to every Man that worketh Good, Rom. 2. 8, 9, 10. All our Diſpoſitions to, and Expreſſions of, Chriſtian Kindneſs, are an Odour of a ſweet ſ…ll, acceptable & well pleaſing to God, and go up for a Mem…ria before the Lord: and in the great Day of Accounts He will not be unrighteous to forget our Work of Faith & Labour of Love. Then our ſecret Kindneſſes, which never took Air in the preſent World, ſhall be publickly, proclaimed and openly rewarded; and that univerſally, & perfectly, yea far more exceeding abundantly. Our Morſels which we have diſpenſed to the Poor, ſhall be recompenced with the Food of Angels, Our Cup of cold Water with the Fountain of Life, our Rags with ſhining Robes, our Penny with an Eternal Weight of Glory, our Services of Love with all Spiritual Bleſſings in Heavenly Places in Chriſt Jeſus. Theſe Things will abound to our account. Eye hath not ſeen nor Ear …eard, neither have enter'd into the heart of man, the great things, which God hath prepar'd for them that in all things approve themſelves unto Him by Long-ſuffering, by Kindneſs, by Love unfeigned.

THUS we ſee in part upon what Accounts the Excellent Virtue under Conſideration deſervedly challenges our Care and …tudy.

NOW for the Application of what has been ſaid, I ſhall add a few Hints.

USE I. HENCE, We may ſee, how miſerably a great Part of the Profeſſing World do … in the… Chriſtian Duty, and fall ſhort of their juſt Obligations. How widely diſtant from the Rules aforeſaid is the Practice of many, even of ſuch …s make the greate… pretenſions to Chriſtianity? How ſmall a figure does Brotherly Kindneſs make in their Lives and Actions? How few do we find Imitators of the Bleſſed Jeſus, who was meek & lowly, kind and good, and ready to all Offices of Love! How few are, to be found, like the p. 32innocent Do… and the pleaſant … Too many are rather … D… and Swine, barking and tearing one another: like Beaſts of Prey wild and fierce, even as roaring … o… ranging Bears… —… General, there is too little of the Temper & Spirit of the Goſpel of Peace to be found among Profeſſors. The Love of many waxes …. A vi…ious Spirit of Self-Love uſurps the Throne of Motherly Kindneſs. Wrath and Bitterneſs many times ſupply the place of Meekneſs & Moderation. Our Ears are too often grated with the … Noiſe of the Saw of Contention. We too often …ear the Defamings of many. The work of the Fl…ſh are frequently too evident among Chriſtians, which are theſe, Hatred Variance, Emulations, …, Debates, Whiſperings, Backbitings, Swellings, Tumults, & ſuch like, 2 Cor. 12. 20. Cal. 5. 19. &c. When ſuch Characters of Hell as theſe become the genius and complexion of a People, This renders it too notorious to be diſſembled, that Chriſtian Kindneſs … under a lamentable Declenſion among them. And are not theſe Evils too rampant & prevalent in this Degenerate Day? O how do many in theſe unhappy Times diſhonour God and diſcredit their Profeſſion, gratify the Devil and injure their Neighbour, by viſible Breaches of the common Laws of Charity & Kindneſs! Theſe Things ſhould be obſerv…d & reſented by every ſerious Soul with the … ſhame & ſorrow.—Not that I am now Exhorting … Judge & Cenſure others▪ I don't mean to … the Office of an Obſervator & Cenſor … … up …n Inquiſition, and pragmatically pry into the Lives … Actions of others, to ſpy Faults and make critical … that is ſaid and done amiſs in the World. No; … this is far …om me. This vile Temper and … too much the crying Reproach of the Generality …, to need any Excitations there … …ut what I … is, th… we lay to heart and mourn after a … over th… iniquities of …, whoſe Sins are … before all men▪ that … ſcandalous Uncharitable▪ … time in thoſe about us, … in the … partake in the Sins of p. 33other … by no… reſenting, we virtually approve the Commiſſion of them; & … fetch the gu…lt into o…r own Boſoms, & entitle our ſelves to the deſerved puniſhment.

II. LET us all Examine our ſelves, and be humbled for all our Departure, from …he Duty of the Text. Inſtead of ſpending our Time in judging & inveighing againſt others, however guilty, We ſhall do well to …ll to mind our own Tranſgreſſions, and to humble our ſelves in the conſideration of our own too great diſregard to the Law of Kindneſs. Doubtleſs if we review the records of Conſcience, & conſider the habitual frame of our Hearts and the general courſe of our Lives p…ſt▪ we ſhall find matter enough for Self-condemnation & Humiliation. In many things we all offend, and perhaps in nothing more, than in this point of Chriſtian Kindneſs. Let us all then …e perſwaded to make due Inquiſition every one into his own particular Caſe, and ſee how it ſtands with us. Let us bring our ſelves to the Touchſtone, call our ſelves to an Account, and accompliſh a diligent ſearch. Let no Temptation prevent us from this neceſſary, (however diſagreeable) Scrutiny—What has been already offer'd, may ſerve both for Direction, and Incentive to us. I ſhall not ſpend Time in Repeating. I will only add, that we ſhall do well to conſider the diſtinct Periods of our Lives, our divers Places of Abode, … ſeveral Relations, our various Converſations, and the like, and take Cogniſance (as far as we can) of our Thoughts, Affections, Paſſions, De…ns Words, Actions, and univerſal … towards others. Willingly let no Article eſcape … Conſideration▪ Let Conſcience deal faith … an… in cenſuring our Miſcarriages. Let us … over all with the deepeſt Remorſe and Self-…ſement, and … fly to the atoning Blood … Chriſt … Remiſſion.

USE. III. … put on Kindneſs▪ and let … cloath …s. Th… Ver…ue … in the Judgment and Conſcience of every … is … in the Lives of …. But … O man … thy ſelf, … thou neglec…;t to practice what thou … p. 34deſervedly Praiſe▪ Happy is he that condemneth not himſelf in that thing which be alloweth and approveth. O Let us all ſtudy to act up to our Principles, and to adorn our Profeſſion, by mutual Endearments and Expreſſions o… Kindneſs. Let us endeavour a bleſſed Reſurrection and Recovery of that ancient Spirit of Love, which was ſo much the beauty and ſtrength of the Church in primitive Times. Let us endeavour to blow up that holy Fire, which is at preſent under ſuch awful Decays; Revive the things that remain & are ready to die. Let Brotherly Love continue; Let us Love as Brethren & live in Love, Be kindly affectioned one to another, walk charitably, Be courteous, obliging, uſeful, ſerviceable unto others by all inſtances of Kindneſs which lie in our power.—And let our Love be without Diſſimulation, without partiality and without hypocriſy. Let us Love in Sincerity and godly ſimplicity, doing all offices of Love heartily as unto the Lord. Let all our Expreſſions of Kindneſs be manag'd after a godly ſort; with an eye to the Will of God, in a way of obedience, and with an aim at the Glory of God as their ultimate end, and finally with Faith in the Merits of Chriſt for Acceptance with God.—And let our Kindneſs be Univerſal, extending to all as we have opportunity.—Alſo Uniform & Conſtant. Be not variable and ſickle, kind to day and cold to morrow. Let not every little Occurrence that diſpleaſes us, preſently overcaſt our Faces with a ſullen Cloud, alienate our Hearts, ſhut our Mouths, and cloſe our Hands. Let our Kindneſs be as the S… ▪ which with his Beams ſcatters Miſts, and breaks thro' Clouds, that would hinder it's benign Influence and interrupt it's Light. Our Kindneſs ſhould ſhine forth with the brighteſt and warmeſt Rays, and that continually.

LET us follow after ſuch Charity, and aim at this exalted Benignity. Let it be our Care and Concern to get our Hearts …urnisht with the Principle, and our Lives fill'd with the viſible Exerciſes of true Chriſtian Kindneſs. And in Order hereto, Let us obſerve the following Rules, which I ſhall only hint, and leave you to enlarge p. 35upon them in your Meditations at Leiſure—Let us then ſee to it, that we get the Cauſes of Unkindneſs taken away; Subdue Pride; Watch againſt unjuſt Prejudices, which naturally alienate our Love; Effect not unneceſſary Reſervedneſs and Retirement, which tends to …our the Mind, and damp the Affections; Beware of dividing Principles and Luſts; Be not devoted to a Party, Have not any Man or S…tt of Men in undue Admiration; Party-Friendſhip does in effect engage us in Oppoſition to all but our ſelves, and leads to numberleſs unhappy Conſequences: And let us learn to deny ou… ſelves, our Wills and Intereſts; Diligently obſerve the Shame of Unkindneſs in others; Conſider how ill we take unkindneſs from others; Aggravate our own Unkindneſſes and not too eaſily forgive our ſelves; Get acquainted with Relative Duties, Study our Opportunities of ſhewing Kindneſs, Watch all Occaſions, give not way to groundleſs Excuſes; Reſiſt all Temptations to Unkindneſs; Often meditate on the many Excellencies and Advantages of mutual Benignity: Endeavour to keep Company with kind and Friendly Perſons, which will provoke us … …ulation; Keep in our Eye the bright Example of Jeſ… Chriſt, Contemplate the wonderful Loving-kindneſs of God our Saviour, which will tend to ſhame us into an holy imitation: Let us be much in unfeigned Prayer for the good of others, Carry them (eſpecially any whom we may be leſs inclined to) in the Arms of importunate Supplication, to the Throne of Grace, This will by a ſort of natural efficacy work our hearts into a benign Frame. Let us alſo be much in prayer for our ſelves, that God would put within us the Grace of Kindneſs, cheriſh the ſame in us, quicken and … and draw it forth in all proper Exerciſes; And let us lay our Souls open to Divine influences: Moreov…r, let us be frequently Examining our Proficiency and Improvement in this Virtue, and be o…ten thinking of the Recompence of Reward. And finally, Let us con…id… one another, to provoke unto Love and to Good …

p. 36MANY more Directions, I ſuppoſe▪ might be added; But Th…ſe Rules ſincerely and generally practis'd, wou'd … turn this wild Wilderneſs into a pleaſant Para…ce, wou'd transform the Church (which is in a very … ſenſe too often) Militant, into a bleſſed Reſemblance to the Church Triumphant; and afford an happy Opportunity to repeat that Angelical Anthem, (Luk. 2. 14.) Glory to God in the Higheſt, and on Earth Pea…, Good will towards men.—Now to have done; I ſhall leave with you that Apoſtolical EXHORTATION, (Eph. 4. 1, … c.) I therefore—be…eech you, that ye walk worthy of the Vocation wherewith ye are called, with all Lowlineſs and Meekneſs, with Long-ſuffering, forbearing one another in Love; Endeavouring to … the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace.—And be ye kind one to another.—And will add no more, but my Deſires concurrent with th… Apoſtolical BENEDICTION, (Eph. 3. 14, &c.) For this cauſe, I how my kn…s unto the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, of whom the whole E…ily in Heaven and Earth is named, That He would grant you according to the riches of His Glory, to be … with might by His Spirit in the inner man… …at Chriſt may dwell in your hearts by faith; That … being rooted and grounded in LOVE,—might be filled with all the fulneſs of God. Now unto Him, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, Unto Him be Glory in the Church by Chriſt Jeſus, throughout all Ages, World without end. Amen.

FINIS.

Advertiſement.

Ately Publiſhed; A Diſcourſe upon PSAL. CXIX. 9. … Being the Subſtance of ſeveral Sermons, by the … Author, And to be Sold by Samuel Gerriſh, near … Old Meeting-Houſe.

End of the text · Thomas Foxcroft, A Discourse Concerning Kindness (1720)