Two sermons on these wordes of Peter the apostle, honour all men, loue brotherly felowship ... preached at Marlebrough the seuenth of Nouember, and fifth of Ianuarie 1595 / by Charles Pynner, minister of the Church of Wotton-Basset in Northwiltshire.

TWO SERMONS , on these wordes of Peter the Apostle : Honour all men : Loue brotherly felowship , Epist. 1. chap. 2. vers. 17.

Preached at Marlebrough the seuenth of Nouember , and fifth of Ianuarie 1595. by Charles Pynner , Minister of the Church of Wotton-Basset in North-wiltshire .

Gal. 6.10 .

While we haue time , let vs do good vnto all men ; but especially vnto them , which are of the houshold of faith .

LONDON Printed by Thomas Creede . 1597.

TO THE RIGHT honourable , and my especiall good Lady , Anne , Ladie de La Warr , wife vnto the L. de La Warr that now is a grace , mercie , and peace , from God the Father , and from the Lorde Iesus Christ .

MAdame , when at the request of my worshipfull and godly friend , Master Iohn Bailiffe , then Maior of Marl-brough , I had there preached these two Sermons ; I purposed euen then ( though thwarted til now by some occasions ) to offer the same vnto your Ladiship , in part of paiment of a much greater summe , which for many your benefites ( as manie knowe , and my selfe most willinglie acknowledge ) is due vnto you . And the rather I haue done this , and in this kinde sought some part of recompence , because as Dauid sayth vnto God , One day in thy Courts , is better then a thousand : Psal. 84.13 . So your whole life telleth vnto others , and to mee especially , that one Sermon , yea one sentence of the Lawe of GOD , is dearer vnto you then thousands of Gold and Siluer . Psal. 119.73 And therfore this spark of Gods grace , howe little so euer it be , ( if any at al it be ) I know wil be accepted of your Ladiship , and all other of like spirite : in which hope I haue beene bold to make it publike : desiring it may worke that good in others , which the like labours of others by Gods grace , ( and I humbly thanke him for this grace ) in some measure hath wrought in mee . And I pray God this zealous care may still be in vs , & chiefly in those that haue receiued most , to helpe them which especially haue neede thereof , as lacking the liuelie voyce of theyr owne pastours . In the want of which duetie in many most learned ( of whome , howe many , haue receiued how many talents , which go not abroade , or so broade as they might ? ) euen he , which hath receiued a little ( I speake for my selfe ) may , I trust , bee allowed to giue a little . Which if there be a willing minde first ( as sayth the Apostle ) it is accepted according to that a man hath , and not according to that he hath not .

The Lord Iesus preserue your good Ladyship , with my honourable good Lord , and your happy children ( happie , if they knowe their happinesse of such their parents : ) and increase in you the graces of his holy spirite . Amen . From London the second of August . 1597.

Your Honours bounden , and in all dutie to commaund : Charles Pynner .

THE FIRST Sermon . 1. Pet. Chap. 2. Vers. 17.

Honour all men .

THe Apostle in these words , not so much teacheth the faithfull to whome hee writeth , as exhorteth them vnto certaine duties , which it seemeth they knew before . Like as himselfe in this , and his other Epistle , with the rest of the Apostles , and indeede all the holy Scriptures , both of the old and new Testament , are very plentifull in this matter of exhorting . These things commaunde and teach , 1. Tim. 4.11 faith Paul to Timothie , the first & fourth . That which is taught must be commaunded : like as that which is commanded must first bee taught . Which sheweth our dulnes ( deerely beloued ) and how restie we are , and needing a spurre in the knowen way .

And yet it may bee , many Philips heere , not so vnwilling to embrace their dutie , as not knowing what dutie is , that they may embrace it . In the fourteenth of Iohn , If ye had knowen me ( saith Christ ) ye should haue knowne my father also : Io●● 14 . 7.● , ●seq . and from henceforth ye know him , and haue seene him . Phillip saide vnto him , Lord , shewe vs the Father , and it sufficeth . So we : shew vs what it is to honour all men , and we will honour them : What is the brotherhood , & we will loue them : what it is to feare God , and we will feare him : and so forth . But Iesus said vnto him : Phillip , I haue beene so long time with you , and hast thou not knowne me ? he that hath seene me hath seene my Father . I cannot chalenge you , as Christ doth Philip , I haue beene so long time with you : for I haue bin seldome with you . Neither yet can your own Pastours so chalenge you , notwithstanding their bodily presence , which you haue had much longer time , then Christ was with his disciples : because they haue not so preached and shewed Christ vnto you , as Christ his father to his disciples .

And whence this deadly plague should come , I knowe not , except partly from the the measels of the Gergesites , contented , rather then they would bee at any cost with Christ , to be without him : and partly from the seueritie of God against this sinne and others : who despiseth vs in this prophanenesse , as once his owne people , Israel and Iuda , in the eleuenth of Zacharie , the Lorde by the Prophet denouncing thus : Zach. 11.9 . Then I saide , I will not feede you : that that dyeth , let it die : and that that perisheth , let it perish . As Christ also telleth them in the 23. of Mathew , Math. 23 , 38 that they are giuen ouer : Beholde ( saith he ) your house it left vnto you desolate . O my people ( sayth the Lord by Esay ) They which leade thee , Isa. 3 , 12 misleade thee , and hide form thee the way of thy pathes .

And yet lo ( deerely beloued ) some parte of your pathes , as a stranger that passeth by , and is content to go a little with you , to shewe you the way that GOD hath shewed him . For God that commaundeth the light to shine out of the darkenesse ( sayth the Apostle , 2. Cor. 4 , 6 the second to the Corinthians , chap. 4. ver. 6. ) is he , which hath shined in our hearts , to giue foorth the light of the knowledge of the glorie of God in the face of Iesus Christ . And hee it is which hath lighted our candle , not that we should put it vnder a bed or vnder a bushel , but on a candlestick , that it may giue light vnto the whole house . And , lo , now it shineth vpon your candlestick , to shew you some parte of the way , which you must walke .

The first steppe whereof , is this , Honour all men : the seconde this , Loue brotherly fellowshippe , or the brotherhood : the third this , Feare God : and the sourth and last this , Houour the King .

And yet it seemeth this last point needed not to haue bin added by the Apostle , hauing spoken so largely at the first , saying , Honour all men . For is the King no bodie ? Yes verily . hee is more then any besides : and therefore hath a speciall honour by himselfe . In which respect the Apostle saith againe more distinctly and particularly of him , Honour the King , but of this in place .

Wee haue therefore heere in the first place or point of this exhortation , Honour all men , a generall honour , which respecteth all men , as well those from whom it is due ; as those vnto whom it is due : that is to say , an honour which all men owe to all men ; and each man to each , and euerie man : the King himselfe not excepted , in that dutie which hee oweth to his meanest subiect . And therefore is hee called both by prophane writers , as also by the prophets , and namely Ezechiel the 34. The sheapheard of the people . Ezec. 34.2 . Wo to the sheapheards of Israel . And again . Heare the word of the Lord , Vers. 9. O ye sheapheards . Where hee speaketh as well to the ciuill , as Eclesiasticall Magistrate , as it is in the Psalme , Thou didst leade thy people like sheepe by the hand of Moses and Aaron . Psal 77.20 . The office therefore of Kings and rulers , is to leade and feed the people , and to doo them good .

And this is the thing which so generally is here commanded , & commended vnto vs by the name of Honour ; euen our dutie of dooing good vnto al that especially need our good . For first that this is due , it appeareth by another Apostle , saying , Looke not euerie man on his owne things : but euery man also on the things of other men , Philip. 2. and 4. And againe , Phillip. 2.4 . , to the Galathians , the 6 , and 10. While we haue time let vs do good vnto al , specially those that are of the houshold of faith . Gal. 6.10 . And in the third of the Prouerbs , Prou. 3.27 . Withhould not good from the owners therof , when it is in thy power to do it . Where note , that hee calleth the needie the owners of thy good , or benefit , as due vnto them : the enemie himselfe not excepted considered , not indeed as an enemie ( for that is not possible , vnlesse wee should conspire against our selues ) but as a man , and so commeth hee within the compasse of this honor of the Apostle , Honour all men . For this honor , as all other duties , must not onely bee pure and without hypocrisie , but full & perfect in all her parts ; not partiall , excluding any , but including all , euen the enemie : as Christ also teacheth vs by his owne example , in the fift of Mathew . Matth. 5 : 44 , 45 , & , 48. But I say vnto you , loue your enemie : blesse them that curse you , do good to them that hate you , & pray for them that hurt you , and persecute you , that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heauen . For hee maketh his Sunne to rise on the euill and on the good , and sendeth raine on the iust and vniust . Ye shal therefore bee perfect as your father which is in heauen is perfect .

And secondly that this duty done , is honour , it is plaine also by the former Apostle , in the fifth of the first to Timothie . The elders ( saith he ) which rule well , 1. Tim: 5 , 17 are woorthie of double honor , specially they that labour in the word and doctrine . Where hee speaketh properly of the wage and maintenance of the minister , to be allowed vnto him according to the waight and worthinesse of his worke and labor , as appeareth by that that followeth : For the Scripture saith ( saith the Apostle ) Thou shalt not mosell the mouth of the Oxe that treadeth out the corne . Vers 18. And againe , The Labourer is worthie of his hire . And in the same place speaking of poore widowes that liued well , and had no kindred able to releeue them , hee commendeth them to the prouision of the Church , and saith , Vers. 3. Honour widowes that are widowes indeede . And in the 15. of Mathew , Matth. 15. Christ very sharpely reprooueth the Scribes and Pharisies , for loosing the bands of this dutie , and bringing this honour into contempt in children towards their parents , especially such as were poore and needie , & lay ( as we say ) vppon their childrens hands . For these hypocriticall & couetous Maisters had so preferred in holinesse and worthinesse , the gold of the Temple , before the Temple , and the gift of the Altar before the Altar , because they could sweepe away the gold and the gifts , and turn them to the maintenance of their pompe and pleasure ; that the people as ( they taught them ) did euer well to bring , bring . And howe euill so euer they were , and whatsoeuer euill they had done , as a thiefe that robbeth on the Plaine , yet if the Priest had receiued their gifts , and sanctified them in the Temple , they were as safe ( as they thought ) and as well shrowded in this hipocrisie from all danger of the wrath of God , as the theefe is in his den , as the Lorde also by the Prophet Ieremie obiecteth to them . Iere. 7.11 .

And this went so farre ( as I sayde ) that if a sonne , or a daughter , ( who themselues had somewhat , and had their father and mother relying on them ) had carried all to the Temple , and left themselues so needie , that scarcelie , or not at all they were now able to relieue their Parents , yet all was well . For if the father or mother complaining for maintenaunce , the sonne had aunswere , Gift , as it is in the fifteenth of Mathew , or as in the seuenth of Marke , Corban , that is gift : ( The Verb is wanting which must bee supplyed , thus , gift it is , or , become gift , and giuen alreadie , wherewith thou mightest bee helped and relieued at my handes : ) he was free , that is to say , faultlesse , by theyr doctrine . Who to establish theyr owne Tradition , of freeing men from sinne , in such a case as this , had abrogate ( as Christ chargeth them ) the commaundement of GOD , saying , Honour thy Father and thy Mother . And againe , I will haue mercie and not sacrifice . This mercie therefore , comfort , and reliefe , which shoulde bee bestowed vppon the needie parents , is the honour , which the Sonne or Daughter oweth vnto them , in case , more then gifts or sacrifices vnto the Temple ; and therefore is honor in deed : which God so esteemeth of , and so alloweth to bee done , that rather then it should not be don , he is content to want some part of his owne outward honor , as here we see .

And in deede these , I meane the needie of all sorts , specially those that concerne vs most , are the liuelie Images , which our Papall men , and great Pharisaicall doctours shoulde haue taught the people to honour , and to bring their gifts and presents vnto , and not to the Church walles and windowes , to stockes and stones , Roode-loftes , and the like , stumbling at the same stone that their fathers did . For there is in the person of man aboue al other things , a certaine excellencie and dignitie , as the Image of God , so to be honored of vs , that wee preserue it by all meanes possible . And therefore in the Lawe of murther it is ordained , that hee that sheddeth mans blood , Gen. 9.6 . by man shall his blood bee shedde , because hee destroyeth the Image of God . What is man ( saith Dauid ) that thou art mindfull of him ? Psal. 8.6 . Heb. 2 , 6 , 7 Thou madest him little inferiour to the Angels , thou crownedst him with glorie and honour , and hast set him aboue the workes of thy handes . Which is as true of him that hath nothing ( if we respect the right and prerogatiue of his creation ) as of him that hath all things , and wanteth nothing . In the Lawe it is commaunded , that if the neighbours Oxe , or Asse goe astray , we shall turne them into the way . Hath God care of Oxen ? Doubtlesse he hath . But much more of the neighbour himselfe . For after the same sort Christ reasoneth in the 12. of Mathew , Maa . 12 , 12 What man ( sayth he ) shall there bee among you , which if he shall haue a sheepe fallen into a pit on the Sabboth day , will not take it , and lift it vp ? How much more then ( saith he ) is a 〈◊〉 better then a sheepe ? This betterne●●● therefore and excellencie of mans creation must be honored and attended of vs with all helps necessarie to maintaine it . For this is the greatest honor that we can do vnto it .

As in deed what greater shewe of contempt ( which is contrarie to honour ) can there be then this , to turne away the face , and so little to regarde a thing , as not to bestowe the looking on it . Euen as they do which denie these duties of loue and compassion towardes their needie brethren . Giue to him that asketh , and from him that woulde borrowe of thee , Math: 5 , 2 ( sayeth Christ ) turne not thou away . Is not this the fast that I haue chosen ( saith the Lorde by Esay in the fiftie eight Chapter ) to loose the cruell bandes , Isay 58 , 6 , 7 and let the oppressed go free ; to deale thy bread to the hungrie , when thou seest the naked , to couer him , and not hide thy selfe from thine owne flesh ? And therefore the Priest and the Leuite despised the man which fell into the handes of Theeues , and lay wounded and half dead betweene Hiericho and Hierusalem . For they came by and looked on him ( sayth the text ) as stumbling at a Dogge . But then it followeth , They passed by on the other side , Luke 90 , 32 in contempt of him . As indeed what greater contempt of his person then this , to passe so by , and to see him perish . Like as it was honourable done of the Samaritane to take him vp , comfort him , and prouide for him . A worke more acceptable , and more necessarie to bee done ( as the case may require ) then diuine Seruice it selfe vppon some Sabboth day : as Christ in manie places sheweth vs , and namely in the third of Marke , in the example of the man with the withered hand . Marke 3 , 1 , 2 3 , &c.

Out of which place we may reason thus for the poore man , agaynst the contempt of the Priest & Leuite , that because they did not saue life when they might , they did euen kill him . For when the enemies of our Sauior Christ watched to see if vpon the Sabboth day he wold heale this man with a withered hande , he being about to do it , first to conuict their malice , reasoneth thus : Is it lawful ( saieth he ) to do a good deed on the Sabboth day , Vers. 4 or to doo euill ? to saue life or to kill ? Where hee yeeldeth thus much against himselfe , that if hee had not done that good deed to the poor impotent person , he had done euill ; and if he had not giuen life to that dead member of his , he had so farre killed him . And therfore , as here he healeth him , so it is saide in the 8. of Mathew , that he healed all that were brought vnto him . And though hee were often sought , yet ( opportunities obserued ) we neuer reade that he denied , or turned backe any .

For where both these , as partes of dutie , Psal. 37 , 27 P●al. 1 , 17 , 18 are commaunded vs , Depart from euill , and doo good : Ceasse from euill , learne to doe well : one alone is not sufficient . And therfore in the 12 of Mathew , Christ sayth , Hee that is not with mee , Matt. 12 , 30 is against mee ; and he that gathereth not with mee scattereth . And Salomon in the tenth of the Prouerbes ; Prou. 10 , 26 As Vineger ( sayeth hee ) to the teeth , and smoke to the eyes , so is the slouthfull to him that sendeth him : that is , hee of whom dutie is required to bee done , and doth it not . And though in the 9. of Marke , Christ there seemeth to say as it were the contrarie , Let him alone , Mhr 9 , 40 hee that is not against vs is on our part : yet hee meaneth thus , and vnderstandeth it by comparison thus , hee is so farre foorth with vs , as hee is not agaynst vs , and better then he who not onely is not with vs , but also agaynst vs . For as dutie is intirelie kept in both these poynts , Decline from euill , and do good : so is it broken in both , as when wee not onelie doo no good , but actuallie doo euill . And our Sauiour Christ in that place of Marke , speaketh of one that was inclining and comming to the Gospell , and did him and his Disciples no harme , though as yet he did them no good , nor kept their companie , as there we reade .

But this Cain had not learned , as appeareth by his churlish answer to GOD , Am I the keeper of my Brother ? Gen , 4 , 9 It might haue beene answered by God ; Yes indeed art thou the keeper of thy brother , and to see to him , and therefore much lesse shouldest thou haue killed him , as nowe thou hast doubly done : first , by not keeping him ; and then in killing him .

And doth not this brood of Cain line yet with vs ? & is not this voyce too often heard ? Am I the keeper of my brother ? must I looke to him ? let him looke to himselfe if hee will . And although his neede be neuer so great , and our hand neuer so strong , yet for vs ( as we say ) hee may sinke , or swim . These care not who wring , Modo sibi sit bene , so they fare well . And their doing , is as their saying , ( more than heathen wretches herein ) Euery man for himselfe , & God for vs all : as if God were bounde to doo for them , and they will do nothing but for themselues .

And yet these bodies in which we liue , as it hath many members , so euerie member doth dutie one to the other . This house in which we now are , and serueth vs for this assembly , is so built , that one stone & iu●st stayeth vp another . And these verie Bookes , in which wee reade , are so made & compact , that letter serueth to leuer , to make syllables ; and syllables , words ; and words ; sentences ; & by altogether wee reade , and learne knowledge . This dutie therefore of seruing one another , & being common-weales men , not priuate-weals men , nature , and reason , & heathen can teach vs . Non nobis solis nati ( saith one ) partim patria , partim parentes , and so forth . We are not borne onely for our selues , but partly our countrey , partly our parents , partly our friendes and neighbors will claime a right in vs .

And indeede God and nature it selfe , hath east all ( almost ) into communities and societies , greater , or lesser , as Cities and families , as wee see : the Lorde so ordering it at the first for necessitie sake , as wee reade in Genesis , Bonum est hominem non esse solum . Gen. 2.18 . It is good for man not to be alone . Who therefore as hee receiueth his good from other , so ought hee to minister helpe , and doo good to other .

And therefore if thou do say with Cain ; Am I the keeper of my brother , it shall be answered , Yes indeede are thou the keeper of thy brother , an● thou must honour him , as the Apostle here commandeth , saying , Honour all men . And if thou do not so honour them as heere is taught , thou doest contemne them , and in contemning them dost kill them : as Christ before teacheth thee in the third of Marke .

Where I may conclude , that it is not onely the fire of the wrath of God , which hath brought this desolation vpon this place , where yet we may beholde and see many heapes of stones and dust , moystened no lesse with the teares of the afflicted , then with the raine from heauen : but the carelesse & mercilesse hearts of many , which still suffer it so to bee . In whome if this of Peter had taken place , there should now haue beene no signe of this destruction amongst vs .

Specially , there beeing so many , who in the dayes of our peace haue receiued so much . For this of the Apostle , Honour all men ; being spoken generally to all , doth yet so require this honor to be done of all , vnto all , that he , that hath most , must do most ; and he , that hath little , must doo according to his litle . Which if there be a willing mind first ( as saith the Apostle ) it is accepted according to that a man hath , 2. Cor. 8.12 and not according to that he hath not .

And thus in doing this honour to all men , wee must obserue the proportion which pertaineth to vs , according to our portion . For of him , that hath receiued much , much shall bee required : and of him that hath receiued little , little shall be required . The summer must beare more in the building then the iuist or rafter , and if one talent may not bee digged into the ground , what shall be the iudgement of those euill seruants which haue hid many talents , but this , Take from them their talents , Matth. 25 and binde them hand & foote , and cast these euill seruants into vtter darknesse , there shall bee weeping & gnashing of teeth . And yet see in this parable , the euill seruant wasteth not his talent , nor abuseth it vnto oppression ; but onely he vseth it not at al , & doth no good with it . For of that seed of Cain , which oppresse , kil , and destroy , which griende the face of the poore , Isa , 3 , 15 Amos : 2.6 as it is in the third of Esay : and in the second of Amos , which sell the iust for money , and the needie , pro pari Calceorum , for a paire of shooes ; I will speake no more .

Onely thus , for the order of this honour , he , whose hand hath most , his charge is most : and he that hath little hath charge for a little . Which if euerie man would looke vnto , as here wee are commanded to Honour all men : Lord , what a heauen ( as I may so say ) of help would there bee amongest vs ? and howe true would the prouer be be , Homo homini Deus : Man is God to man . And the poore of the Land should be prouided for , ( as we are commanded in the 15. of Deuteronomie ) euen by the superfluities of manies aboundance . Deut. 25.7 . & seq.

And yet againe , as in this honour heere required , wee obserue a proportion in those from whom it is due : so likewise ought wee to do in , and as concerning those , vnto whome it is due : and all must honour all , but not alike ; euen as all are bounde vnto all , but not alike . And therefore the Apostle in the fifteenth of the first to Timothie , 1 , Tim. 5 , 8. maketh them deerest , who are nearest to vs : If there be any ( saith hee ) that prouideth not for his owne , and namely for them of his owne houshold , hee hath denied the faith , and is worse then an infidell . And in the 6. verse of the same chapter , If any faithfull man or faithfull woman ( saith he ) haue widowes , meaning of their kinne , and which are neere vnto them , let them minister vnto them , that is , let them helpe and releeue them , and let not the church bee charged .

Thus the father , oweth more to the childe ; the husband , to the wife ; the brother , to his brother ; yea , the friende to his friende ; ( because hee hath bounde him by a speciall band ) then to any other . And if these will not honor these , protect and defend , helpe , comfort , and nourish these , ( as too often we may see this honor wanting ) it is because we are fallen into the last times ; of which the Apostle forewarned they should bee greeuous , it would euen greeue any godly minde to see the maners of them : 2. Tim. 3.3 For men ( saith he ) shal be louers of themselues , couetous , proude , boasters , and so forth . At length he addeth , without naturall affection .

Which in a sort doubtlesse may be extended euen to those also , which deny this honour of which we speak vnto their ioynt-neighbours , and fellow-citizens : vnto whome by a speciall band they owe more , then to anie other ; by reason of the mutuall societie and c̄oiuuction of the members of the bodie politique , wherein they are placed . And therfore ought they more especially to reioyce and suffer one with another , and to procure the good one of another , because the help or hinderance , the honour , or rebuke of any member redoundeth to the whole body , in which euery member hath his part : as Paule also speaketh of the naturall bodie . 1. Cor. 1● , ●6

And this made Moses first so seuere and couragious against the Egyptian , Act. 7 , 23 , &c. wh̄o he slue in defence , & auenging the cause of one of his brethren : and afterwardes so carefull to agree his Countri-men and brethren , which stroue togither , saying , Sirs , we are brethren , why do ye wrong one to another . A great wrong , & much dutie broken , when a brother shal wrong a brother ; a neighbor , his neighbor ; one towns man an other ; a citizen , his fellow citizen : when enuie , & debate , deceit , and oppression shall raigne amongst them , as strife in the members of the same body : which reacheth home . For if ye bite ( saith the apostle ) and deuoure one another , Gal 5.15 take heed least ye be consumed one of another . Which is the plague of the people mentioned in Esa. 3. Opprimet in populo alter alter̄u ; quisque proximum suum : Esay 3 , 5 One shall oppresse another amongst the people ; each man his neighbour . As also in the 9. of the same prophecie . Esay 9 , 20 ●1 Euery one shall eate the flesh of his owne arme ; Manasseh , Ephraim ; and Ephraim , Manasseh ; and both these against Iuda . And what of this ? A citie , yea , a kingdom deuided in it self cannot continue . Mat. 12 , 25

For it is not the honor of our times that can hold it vp ; so light & foolish and ful of s●attery , that I am ashamed to name it : and yet many make a pride and a vertue of it : as if vertue were made of words , as the wood of trees : & therfore thus forsooth , father , & brother , & vncle , & cosen , & captaine , & master , when indeed there is no such maner link or band between them . And when they light on any of these , or any other their louers , & friends , vpon whom they will bestow any of this court-holy-water , them cap & knee , & smooth & fine words , & low curtify , and broad imbracing , as if we would reach them a peece of our heart . But if any of these need our help , that is , honor in deed , then S. Iames his charitie , Abite cumpace , cales●ite , & satura●ini : Goin peace , bee yee warmed , and filled : but we giue them not the things that are fit for the bodie . I am , 2 , 6 What profite is in this ? saith the Apostle .

And yet wee are so vsed to this vnprofitable , yea , reprochfull honour , that wee cannot leaue it : but euen when wee haue in hande some mischiefe towarde men , they shall yet haue some of this honour therwhile to hide it , like that was bestowed on our Sauiour : Haile King of the Iewes , and smite him on the face . Or , as Iudas , Haile Maister , kisse him , and betray him .

And yet ( my brethren ) neither this , nor any thing which before hath beene taught vs , is brought to abridge all outwarde honour , or shew of outward reuerence . Which wee acknowledge also to bee due , Suo modo , in a certaine manner , euen from all men , to all men , and from each man to each and euerie man , as is the other honour in fact before mentioned . Which as it is indeed harder , and asketh cost , and therfore also is more high and excellent : so this likewise is of that praise , & price , that it ought not to be neglected , but embraced of vs . For God hath so imprinted his owne Image in vs , that each man moued with a proper and serious sense of his sinnes , acknowledgeth his owne basenesse , and giueth reuerence vnto him , which scarcely will acknowledge it to bee due vnto him , because hee feeleth his sinnes , as the other doth . And here is a right good straining of curtesie , when ( as Peter willeth vs in the fifth Chapter of this Epistle ) we submit our selues euerie man one to another . 1. Pet ● . 5 According also to that golden rule of the Apostle in the second to the Philippians : Let euerie man thinke better of another then of himselfe . And in the 12. Philip. 2 , 3 to the Romans : In giuing honour , Rom. 12 , 10 go one before another .

This would take vs downe from the vpper ende of the table , and make vs of our selues seeke the , Luke 14 , 7 8 , &c. lower roomes first : and then the maister of the house woulde set vs vp highen . For this modestie is amiable , and this humilitie , honourable . And therefore no maruaile if the good man of the house be so delighted with it , that he vouch safeth it the highest roome at the ende of the Table . This is meant by our Apostle in the 5. chapter , and 5 vers. of this Epistle , saying : Decke your selues inwardly with low lines of mind . 1. Pet. 5 , 5 Marke , there is a maruellous decking , beautie , & ornament in modestie . But he saith , It is inward , in the hid man of the heart : and yet so , that it sheweth it selfe outwarde : or else it were nothing worth , as Salomon sayeth in the 27. of the Prouerbes , Better is open rebuke , then secrete loue . Yea , it so sheweth it selfe in the bodie , prou 2● , 5 that it decketh , adorneth and beautifieth the bodie , so as all men shall honour vs , when the bragger shall go by with contempt and scorne .

For so it is added by the Apostle , as a reason to perswade vs to embrace this dutie : For God ( sayeth hee ) resisteth the proude . What is that ? To wit , this : Proude persons looke for more then is due vnto them ; but they shall not haue it . They would be honoured of all , Tanqu●● minores Dii , as little Gods : but they shall bee broken of their willes . For as they haue measured vnto others , so shall it be measured to them againe . They haue shewed in the pride of their mindes contempt and disdain to others : and they shal reape it seuen fold again into their bosoms . For thus I take Saint Peter to expounde that place of the Prouerbes , the third Chapter , the soure and thirtieth verse . prou 3 , 34 With the scorner he scorneth . Then it followeth in the verie words that Peter alleageth , But hee giueth grace , that is to say , fauour , loue , honour , and acceptation , both with God and men , vnto the lowlie . As it is saide of our Sauiour Christ , that hee grewe in wisedome , Luke 2 , 52 and stature , and in fauour both with God , and men . And why ? Because , as well in this lowlinesse and humilitie , ( no doubt ) as in all other vertues , it was necessarie that hee shoulde bee our most perfect patterne , and leaue vs an example , that wee shoulde followe his steppes ; and acknowledge no lesse by his personall humilitie , then by his doctrine taught vs in the fourteenth of Luke , that hee that exalteth him selfe shall bee brought lowe , Luke 14 and hee that humbleth himselfe shall bee exalted .

Fie vpon therefore this outwarde flaunt of apparell , this bragging behauiour , and coy countenaunces of manie in this age of most corrupt manners , which would seeme to snatch honour to themselues , and euen force it from vs . But they must remember ( as Aristotle sayth , ) Honorest in honorante , non in honorate . Honour is in him that honoureth , not in him that is honoured . And therefore thou maist ( happily ) be despised of others , euen when thou deseruest to bee honoured : much more shalt thou be sure to go without this honour , when by this ambitious humour of crauing honour , thou deseruest no honour , but contempt .

But heere wee are to obserue a distinction . For as before in the honour of fact , hee owed most that had receiued most , to doo good vnto others according to his quantity : so in this outward honour , or honour of outwarde reuerence , it falleth our contrarie , that hee oweth most vnto others , that hath receiued lesse then others . For so it is in the ciuil bodies , and bodies politike , at in the natural bodie : wherein one member hath receiued more , or lesse honour , then another ; and all lesse , then the head : as Paul also sheweth vs in the 12. of the first too the Corinthians : that in a certaine varietie , as well in this , as in sundry other things , there might be a maruailous consent and harmony , For God is not the author of confusion , but of peace . 1. Cor. 14.33 , And as one starre differeth from another starre in glorie , for the beauty of the heauens , so one man differeth from another in glory , to the beauty of the earth . And therfore there is now in some the honour of age , which is not in others : in some , the honor of wisedom & vertue , not in others : in some the honor of dignitie , not in others : beside the honor of maiestie in the king & magistrate , of whom we speake not yet .

And all these must haue their honour , euerie man , as hee excelleth most , and hath most of this honour in himselfe , as a marke or print of a certaine maiestie , which God hath placed in him . And it was a peece of the confusion threatened to Iuda in the third of Esay , and not the least parte of the confusion , which at this day raigneth amongst vs : Superbient p●er i● senem , Isay 3 , 5 & vilis in honor ●ium . The boy shall beare himselfe bragge against the auncient , and the base against the honourable . And it greeued Iob at the heart ; Iob 2 , 2 , 3 and helpe●●ppe the heape of all his miseries , what once he had this honour , and no we had it not . Oh that I were ( sayth hee ) as in times past when God preserued mee , when his ●●ig ●●●shined vppon my head . And afterwardes in the f●●●enth v●●se : When I went 〈◊〉 to the Gate to the s●ate of iudgement , Verse ● and 〈◊〉 bed●● caused them to prepa●●●●●y . sea●● i● the● Streetos . The young 〈◊〉 sam●●●e , and bidde themselues ; and the ag●dor●se and stood vp . But in the 〈◊〉 Chapter hee sayth , But newe , Iob 3 , ● ●ident me minore ●●●pores , My younger laugh 〈◊〉 mee : and those so base borne and vile , that , as there hee sayth , Whose ●athers I woulde haue disdeyned to sette with the Dogges of my flocke .

This was Iobs case , to want that honour and reuerence , which once he had , & had wel deserued . Which if it be any of ours ; ( as doubtlesse neuer was there more contempt , and lesse honor yeelded vnto Superiors ) let vs charge this sinne vpon the Inferiours : yet so , as that wee wholie discharge not our selues of blame . For besides that this plague is partly vpon vs , Isa. 3.4 in the third of Esay , Dab● puer●● principes co●um , I will set children to rule ouer them ; and so indeede wee haue in many places rulers , no more able to rule themselues and others , then women and children : & therfore are despised of men , women , and children : there is also another plague mentioned by the Prophet in the next words , thus , Quifacinero se do●ine●tu● in ●os● that is , I will set children to be their Rulers , which shall mischi●●ously raigne ouer them . And afterwards in the same chapter . Verse 13 The babie oppresseth my people , and Women ●aue rule ouer them . And yet as very babes as they are in gouernment , and weak as women , to rule themselues , or other , as they ought to doo , they are strong enough to oppresse the people : and this maketh them to be despised of the people . Vt ameris amabilis esto , ( saith the poet ) If thou wilt haue loue , thou must beare thy selfe louely . And if thou wilt haue other to honour thee in high place , do thou stoupe downe to them , and honour them in those roomes and places wherein they are , euen the meanest . Do not oppresse them , but relieue them ( for this is the best honour , as before is proued ) and shewe all kindnesse and courtesie , and affabilitie towardes them . And thou shalt see that kindnes will beget kindnesse ; as Moses was honoured of all the people . And yet it is said that he was the mildest man in al the earth . Num. 12. ● Which doubtlesse could not haue been , if in his high place he had ouerlookt them , and not rather in all faith fulnesse , loue , and diligence , had looked to them , & liued with them as a common friende .

And therfore the king himselfe also in the 17. of Deut. was commanded not to multiplie horses , Deut. 17 , 6 , & seq. nor augment his pompe ouermuch , least he shuld waxe proude , and haue his heart lifted vp aboue his brethren . Wherefore , giue , you that are euen the greatest , giue vnto the meanest their honour , and they shall giue you yours , Good measure ( as Christ saith ) pressed downe , Luke 6 , 38 shaken together , and running ouer , shall men giue into your bosome : Matth. 7 , 2 for with what measure you meate , with the same shal men measure vnto you againe . For otherwise euery man doth beare a kingdome in his breast , how soeuer his outward obedience or reuerence may be wrested from him .

And yet may , and must the Ruler , and euerie superiour maintaine his place , and shew himselfe , as he is , in keeping the grace , and grauitie ; the port , and support of a superiour : as it is saide of a Roman gouernour , that he bare vp the Common-weale with his brow or countenance . Which no man may impute to pride or immodestie for it is maiestie . Therfore Salomon maketh a comparison in the thirtieth of the Prouerbes : Prou. 30 , 29 30 , 31. There bee three things ( sayth hee ) that order wel theyr going , yea foure which haue a comely gate , an olde Lyon mightie among Beastes , and turneth not at the sight of any : an Horse that hath his Bellie taken downe : a Goate , and a King against whome there is no rysing vppe . And therefore it is counselled in another place , Ne sis humilis in sapientia tua . Eccl , ● . 19 . Bee not ouerlowly in thy wisedome , nor out of conceite with thy selfe for thy place : least it bee true which is saide , Tanti eris aliis , quanti tibi fueris : Thou shalt bee iust so much esteemed of others , as thou ( in this sense ) esteemest thy selfe . And therefore it was commanded Timothie , 1. Tim. 4.12 being a yong man , to shew himselfe graue in his ministrie . Let no man ( saith Paul ) despise thy youth . That is , see thou giue none occasion by any ouer familiar , light , or loose behauiour , that any should despise thy youth . And no lesse the Pastour of the Common-weale , then the Pastor of the church , in the person of Titus , Tit. 2.15 . is commanded thus : These things speake and exhort , and rebuke with all authoritie . See that no man despise thee .

Thus the superiour must know what honour hee hath ; and much more what honour he oweth to the inferiour , and pay it : and the inferiour for his parte must doo the like . And all men ( as Peter heere sayth ) must honour all men . A necessarie doctrine , for al , who in that state of franchisement , which wee haue in the heauenly city of our God and King , haue , or ought to haue our conuersation ( as Paul had his ) in heauen , Philip. 3 , 20 or heauenlie , or as in heauen alreadie , according also as we pray , Mat. 6.20 . Thy will be done , in earth as it is in heauen .

And thus much of the first step of these foure duties heere required . Which is as farre as at this time I can go with you . Now let vs pray .

THE SECOND Sermon . 2. Pet. 2.17 .

Loue brotherly fellowship .

THis whole verse breaking it self into foure principal parts , which are so many seuerall exhortations , of the first , in these wordes , Honour all men , wee haue spoken alreadie , and are now come vnto the second , in these words , Loue brotherly felowship , or , as I had rather interpret them , according to the plain signification of the Greek worde , thus , Loue the brother hood : referring the word which the Apostle vseth not vnto the minde & affection of him that loueth , or the vertue of louing , as it seemeth our English translation here doth : but to the brethren themselues , which must bee loued .

For as before he had shewed vs the matter , or , as we call it , the subiect of our honour , saying , Honour all men : and afterwards will shew vs the subiect of our feare , saying , Feare God : and lastly , the subiect of a particular and more especiall honour , saying , Honour the King : so here he sheweth vs the subiect or matter of our loue , or , if ye will , the persons on whom our loue must work , to wit , the brethren : euen the whole society of them . So as , ( a litle to inuert our own translation , and yet to keep as neere as we may ) in steed of this , Loue brotherly felowship , we may read thus , Loue the felowship of brethren . So we name the whole state of the Commons of the realme , the Communaltie : and so here , the whole state of the brethren , ioyned in one felowship , the brotherhood , or , felowship of brethren .

Now in this sentence we haue to obserue generally , these two partes , The brethren , which must receiue our loue : and , The loue it selfe , which we owe vnto them .

And touching the brethren , first , we see them commended to vs by the name of brotherhood , which is a societie or felowship of brethren , and indeed such ( according to the force of the worde which Peter vseth ) I say , such brethren as lay in the same belly with vs . Euen as in deed we haue all but one mother , Hierusalem ( as sayth the apostle in the 4. to the Gal. ) which is aboue , and yet beneath , the Church scattered throughout the worlde , Gal. 4 , 26 which is ( saith hee ) the mother of vs all . In her wombe we are begotten , being borne anew ( as Peter before saieth ) not of mortall seede , 1. Pet. 1 , 23 but of immortall , by the worde of God . Who of his owne will ( as Iames also sayeth ) begatte vs by the worde of truth , Iam. 1 , 18 that wee should be the first fruites of his creatures . And to our mother was the promise made in the foure and fiftieth of Esay , Isay 54 , 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lorde , and much peace shall bee to thy children . Thus all that are taught of God , and haue obeyed his worde , are brethren both by father and mother ; and the whole number ioyned in one societie or felowship , is the brotherhood : which also is called the housholde or familie of fayth . While we haue time ( sayth the Apostle in the sixt to the Galathians ) let vs do good vnto all , Gal. 6.10 specially vnto those that are of the familie of faith . And againe in the thirde to the Ephesians : Ephes 3 , 14 For this cause I bow my knees vnto the father of our Lorde Iesus Christ , of whom is named the whole familie in heauen , and in earth . And the bande of this familie , or coniunction of brethren , is faith and holinesse , in that heauenlie vocation , vnto which they are called . In which respect they are named ( as before we heard ) the familie of faith , and faithfull brethren in Christ ; and holie brethren . In the first to the Colossians , Paule an Apostle of Iesus Christ , by the will of God and Timotheus our brother , Col. 1 , 1 , 2 To them which are at Colosse , Saintes and faithfull brethren in Christ . Heb. 3.1 And in the third to the Hebrewes , Therfore holy brethren , partakers of the heauenlie vocation , consider the Apostle and high Priest of our profession , Christ Iesus .

Wherfore let not thine eies wander to seeke thy loue ; but see who are ioyned in fayth & holinesse , and they are the brethren : and there thou must fasten thy whole desire . It is not in all the worlde besides , that thou must so delight in , as in them . For tell mee , if anie thing bee so commaunded , or commended to vs , as the brethren , or some dutie which pertaineth to them ?

Heere onelie wee except the loue of the Father : which yet is reuealed , and , as it were , accomplished in the loue of the brethren . If yee loue mee ( sayth Christ ) keepe my commaundement . Iohn 14 , 15 And , This is my commaundement , Iohn 15 , 12 that yee loue one another , as I haue loued you . And againe , By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples , Iohn 13 , 35 if yee haue loue one to another . As if the loue of the brethren were the loue of Christ : because he delighteth in them , yea , dwelleth in them , and they in him ; hee is one with them , and they with him ; by a true , and reall coniunction ( though the same not naturall , and carnall , but spirituall ) as in the seuenteenth of Iohn , I pray not for these alone , but for them also which shall beleeue in mee through their woorde . Iohn 17 , 26 21 , &c. That they all may bee one , as thou , O Father in mee , and I in thee : euen that they may bee also one in vs ; that the worlde maie beleeue that thou hast sent mee . And the glorie that thou gauest mee I haue giuen them , that they maie bee one , as wee are one , I in them , and thou in mee , that they may bee made perfect in one , and that the worlde may knowe that thou hast sent mee , and hast loued them , as thou hast loued mee . And so the Church considered with her head , is mysticall Christ , or Christ in a mysterie ; and so called by the Apostle in the twelfth of the first to the Corinthians : 1. Cor. 12.12 For as the bodie ( saith he ) is one , & hath many members , and all the members of the body , which is one , though they bee many , yet are but one body : so is Christ , that is to say , Christians , in one society , euen the Church , considered as a bodie , but with her head Christ . Who , by an excellency of the head aboue the members , giueth name vnto the whole , and it is called Christ .

Hence commeth this acceptation in the second of Zacharie , Hee which toucheth you , Zach. 2 , 8 toucheth the apple of his eye . And in the tenth of Matthew , Math. 10 , 42 Whosoeuer shall giue vnto one of these little ones a cup of colde water onely in the name of a Disciple , verelie I say vnto you , hee shall not loose his rewarde . And in the siue and twentieth of Mathew : Mat. 25 , 37 , &c. When sawe wee thee an hungred , and fedde thee ? And when sawe we thee a straunger , and tooke thee in ? and so forth . Verely I say vnto you ( sayth Christ ) inasmuch as ye haue done it vnto one of the least of these my Brethren , yee haue done it vnto mee . And againe , When sawe wee thee an hungred , or a thyrst , or a straunger , or naked , or sicke , or in prison , and did not minister vnto thee ? These also are aunswered , Verelie I say vnto you , in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these , yee did it not to me . And in the ninth of the Acts , Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricke . And I answered , Act. 9.4.5 . who art thou Lord ? and he said , I am Iesus whome thou persecutest . Yet were they indeed the Christians , and the bodies of the Saints , which he cast into prison , and lead them bound vnto Hierusalem .

But note I pray you out of the place of Mathew , that hee reckoneth there with the wicked , on his left hand , not for any other sins , or for the want of that loue , which properly appertaineth vnto himself , but that , which properly appertaineth vnto his brethren : because it is best seene by louing his , howe wee loue him . For that sometimes toucheth the purse , where loue is best tryed : and that loue of the lip , Lord , Lorde , deceiueth many : and therefore Iohn saith , He that hath this worlds good , and seeth his brother haue neede , and shutteth vp his compassion from him , how dwelleth the loue of God in him ? And therefore Christ our Sauiour doth not there challenge them simply and generally for the want of loue towards his brethren , but the outward workes and deedes of loue are specified , of feeding and drinking , of clothing , and harbouring , and the like . For loue being once inwardly inflamed , like fire , it breaketh out , and worketh outwardly , as neede requireth , or , it is no loue , and nothing worth ; and sometimes angereth more then rebuke . Prou. 27 , 9 Therefore Salomon saith in the seauen & twentieth of Prouerbs , Better is open rebuke then secret loue . And it gawleth the needie . Brother more to heare that in Iames , Iam. 2 , 16 Departe ye in peace , be ye warmed , and be ye filled ; when wee giue them not those things which are fitte for the body , it greeueth them , I dare say , more that wee seeme thus to wish them well , and doo them no good indeede , then if wee were silent and sayd nothing . And Saint Iames reiecteth it thus , saying , What profit is in this my brethren ? euen as wee may also , and say , What loue is this my brethren ? it is no loue , but a shadowe of loue . For loue , though an affection , is all in action , and such kinde of action , that faith it selfe cannot shewe it selfe , nor worke without loue , which therefore is necessarily engendred of her , as the heat● and light which issue from the Sun , by which hee sheweth his force and vertue . Therfore the Apostle in the fifth to the Galathians , writeth thus , Gal. 5 , 6 In Iesus Christ neither Circumcision auaileth any thing , nor vncircumcision , but faith which worketh by loue : both inwardly and outwardly , when and as oft as need requireth , and means are notwanting vnto the worke . And further , to note the propertie and worke of loue , in the first of the first to the Thessalonians ( hee sayth ) Wee giue thankes vnto God alwayes 1. Thes. 1 , 3 for you all , making mention of you in our prayers , without ceasing , remembering your effectuall faith , and diligent loue . As if without labour and diligence , there were no loue : euen as faith , without effect or efficacie , and not effectuall , is no faith at all . And therfore in the matter of almes , Paul trieth the naturalnesse ( as hee speaketh ) of the loue of the Corinthians . This say I ( saith he ) not by commandement , 2. Cor. 8 , 8 but because of the diligence of others : therefore prooue I the naturalnesse of your loue .

And because those works of loue do shew her most , which bring most good and profit to that which is loued , and none can adde to the Almightie : Looke vnto the heaven ( sayth Elihu in Iob ) and see and beholde the cloudes which are higher then thou . Iob. 5.5 . & .7 If thou be righteous , what giuest thou vnto him ? or what receiueth he at thy hands ? This also is another cause , why the Apostle without any expresse mention of God , and the loue which we owe vnto him , turneth ouer our loue vnto the brethren , and setteth it a working there , as if wee had nothing to doo with God : who onely of his own good pleasure may haue pleasure in vs , and in that wee doo ; but no profit at al by vs , or by ought of ours : that onely appertaineth vnto the Brethren . God may profit vs , and wee by loue may profit them , and God is pleased in this loue , as himselfe loued in it ; and therfore indeed do we loue the Brethren . This Dauid expresseth in the sixteenth Psalme : Saue me , O mightie God , psal. 16 , 1 , 2 & 3. sayth he : ( lo he fetcheth good from God , he bringeth none to him : ) for in thee haue I put my trust . O my soule , say vnto God , thou art my lord : good from me commeth none to thee . All my delight is in the Saints that are in the earth , and in them that excell in vertue . This also I thought good to adde , least any man should thinke the Apostle in prescribing this loue , as onely due vnto the Brethren , had forgotten himself , or the first and cheefest parte of the Law , which saith , Thou shalt loue God aboue al things . For al loue , I confesse , is not due vnto the Brethren , but most specially is declared in , and on the Brethren . For which cause the Apostle doubteth not to say expresly , as heere he doth , Loue the Brotherhood , or fellowship of brethren . Who also , when hee biddeth to loue the the brethren , forbiddeth not to loue God ; but rather , in bidding of the one , secretly , and by impliment , hee biddeth both , because of necessitie they go together .

Why then , deerely beloued , and why againe , are wee so vaine , to skippe the brethren , and to leaue that wee shoulde loue , and loue that wee shoulde leaue , or it will leaue vs , I meane the world and the things of the world . Of which Iohn sayth , 1. Ioan. 2 , 15. Loue not the worlde , nor the things of the world . If any man loue the world , the loue of the Father is not in him : and much lesse the loue of the Brethren , which are his children , and are not loued , but for the fathers sake .

Alas then for the Brethren , which haue lost their loue of all the worldlings , who can loue nothing but this world , and the things which are in this worlde . But of this it is sayde , All that is in the world ( as the lust of the flesh , the lust of the eyes , Verse 16 , 17 and the pride of life ) is not of the Father , but of this worlde : and the worlde passeth away , and the lust thereof . And therfore thrise alas , yea , and a wo to them , because they loue , and loose their lust : for the world perisheth to them , and they vnto the world . And therefore how much better were it for them if they could loue the brethren ? of which is sayde in the words next following , Verse 17 But hee that fulfilleth the will of God abideth euer . And this is his will and commandement ( as before we haue heard ) that wee loue one another , Ioan. 15 , 12 as hee hath loued vs : and so , louing togither , may liue togither , againe , 1. Ioan 3 : 14 We know that we are translated from death vnto life , because we loue the brethren .

Therefore for the loue of the brethren , we go not to the world , but to the brethren themselues : for they will loue vs , vnlesse they be turned from themselues , and fall away from their owne stedfastnesse . 2. Pet. 3.17 . Of which the Apostle admonisheth , saying , Qui stat , 1. Cor: 10 , 12 videat ne cadat : He that standeth , let him take heed that he fall not . And therfore looke well to your loue , my brethren , as Paul did to the faith of the Thessalonians , in the first Epistle and third chapter , 1. Thes. 3.5 Euen for this cause ( saith hee ) when I could no longer forbeare , I sent him ( to wit Timotheus ) that I might knowe of your faith , least the Tempter had tempted you in any sort , and that our labour had been in vai●● . What if he had saide , That I might know● oft your loue ? For faith , and loue , do go to gither ; they dwel togither , & they depart togither ; they liue togither , & they die togither . And therfore is t●● tempter as busie about the one , as about the other , and as mightie ouer the one , as ouer the other . And ( look we wel vnto it ) he should not be ca●led the Tempter , if dayly he tempted nor , & at no time effected any thing : euen as too much is dayly seene , that those that are baptized in the faith of brethren , make a mocke of the brethren ▪ as Ismael was circumcised in the house of Abraham , and mocked Isaac , there circumcised togither with him . And Sarah ( sayeth Moses ) saw the sonne Agar the Egyptians ( which she had borne vnto Abraham ) mocking . G●n. 21 , ● If Sarah , if Abraham , if Isaac himselfe , and the seede of Isaac this day lift vp their eyes , lo , the sonnes of Agar , mocking : and so bitterlie , that Sarah our mother cannot abide it . Vers: 10 Wherfore she yet saith , Cast out the bond woman and her sonne . And the Apostle in the 4. to the Galat●ians calleth it persecution . But as then ( saith he ) he that was borne after the flesh , persecuted him that was borne after the spirit , Gal. 4 , 29. euen so is it now . Lo therefore , dearly beloued ; some part of our affliction , to heare and see the scorne of these baptized and onely baptized brethren , which point with the finger , and mock home ( as they think ) saying , lo , the holy brotherhood who , as they taunt vs with their tongue , would teare vs with theyr teeth , in the time were come , notwithstanding our common & ioint profession .

And yet if this were all it were the lesse . Rom. 9 , 6 2. The 3 , 2 For all are not Israel which are of Israel . And all haue not faith , saith the Apostle . And hee meaneth it of those that professe the fayth . So all haue not loue , which professe loue , and are vowed brethren . Yea , it is a note of these last times in the third of the second to Timothie : This knowe , Tim. ● . 1 &c. ( saith the Apostle ) that in the last dayes grieuous times shall bee at hand . For men , sayth he , what men ? Verse 5 members of the visible church , & professed in the faith : ( for of other it were no maruell ) e●uen such men shall bee louers of themselues , couetous , proude , boasters , cursed speakers , and so forth , in a great ranke . In which to fill vp the number , are placed also these , Loue lesse brethren . no louers of them that are good , sayeth Paule : no they cannot loue a good man for their liues . And therefore of these counterfets , the brood of Ismael ( almost ) we looke for no better .

But the Tempter to shew himselfe hath gone yet further , to alter the seed of Isaac from their true loue , peruerting our eie-sight , when we look on the brethren ; iudging some to be worthy of our companie , and countenance ; & othersome ( no lesse worthy in themselues , than our selues , but to vs as vnworthie ) wee reiect and go by them , and hang the brows at them , as straungers and enemies . And all because of some oddes in some pointes , which are betweene vs , Act ●5 , 36 , 37 , &c. lesse sometimes then that in the Acts , when Barnabas counselled to take Iohn Marke , in visitation ; But Paule thought it not meete , because hee had departed from them from Pamphilia , and went not with them to the worke . And there was stricken such a heat betweene them both about this matter , that they parted asunder one from the other , so that Barnabas tooke Marke , and sailed into Cyprus and Paule tooke Silas and departed . Two apostles so incensed one against the other , that ( as the word Paroxismos may also signifie ) they were , as it were in the sit of an ague . And yet the matter not great . For Marke was a good man , and Paule might haue taken him ; and Barnabas might haue left him , if they had beene pleased .

Rom. 14.17 The kingdome of God ( sayeth Paule ) is not meate , nor drinke , ( and yet the question of our libertie in meat and drinke , which there hee handleth , was not small ) but righteousnesse , and peace , and ioy in the holy Ghost . And in Iesus Christ ( sayth hee ) neither circumcision , Gal. 5.6 . auaileth any thing , neither vncircumcision , but fayth which worketh by loue . Yet who may cure our Paroxismes , yea , our Schismes , and ioyne vs in loue vnto the Brethren , which haue , and holde Christ , and his kingdome , righteousnesse and peace , and ioy in the holy Ghost : & yet for some other things , wherin we iudge them they are not for our companie ; and still wee will distinguish betweene brethren and brethren : and some we will take , and some wee will leaue to liue to themselues : some wee will loue , and some we will hate . And so out of one mouth ( as Saint Iames saieth ) yea out of one heart , Iam. 3 , 10 , 11 , &c. proceedeth blessing and cursing . My brethrenthese things ought not so to bee , Dooth a fountaine send foorth at one hole sweete wa●● and bitter also ? Can the figge tree , m●brethren , bring foorth Oliues ; or else a 〈◊〉 , Figges ? So can n o fountaine giue both salt water and bitter also . And so touching the brethren , we loue all , or none : and our loue to like thinges must bee alike ; or else wee loue not as we ought .

And so , Saint Peter heere speaketh not singularly , or diuisiuelie , but as it were , collectiuelie , saying , Loue the brethren , that is , all the brethren , euen the whose number of them , ioyned in one societie , not one excepted . And Paule in the first to the Collossians : Wee giue thanks ( sayeth hee ) to God , euen the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ , Colos. 1 , 3. alwayes praying for you since wee heard of your fayth in Christ Iesus , and of your loue towards al Saints . And Christ , to shewe how hee hath loued vs , all , and euerie one , respecting the singulars , and each singular in the generall , giuing vs also the name of brethren , sayth , as before wee heard out of the liue and twentieth of Mathew . Mat 25 , 40 Inasmuch as ye haue done it vnto one of the least of these my brethren , ye haue done it vnto me . Vers. 45 And againe , Inasmuch as yee did it not to one of the least of these , yee did it not to mee . And in the seuenteenth of Iohn : Iohn 17 , 2 Those that thou gauest mee , haue I kept , and none of them is lost , saue the childe of perdition , that the Scripture might bee fulfilled . Where he descendeth to account for euerie particular , which the Father had giuen him : and so must we , for euery brother , whome hee commendeth vnto our loue .

But note , I pray you , out of the place of Matthew , Verse 40 a distinction of brethren . For he saith , Vnto one of the least of these my brethren . Therefore some are greater , and some are lesse , not in the brother hood it selfe , or nature of brethren , wherein all are alike : but in some outwarde respects , wherein they may be , and are vnlike . as here in this place of Mathew , the 25. there is mention of hungrie , and thirstie , of naked , and harbourlesse , and prisoned brethren , who in this respect are lesse , as the Lord hath humbled them , then those brethren which are full , and clothed , housed , and at libertie , hauing other furniture also somtime of pompe and dignitie . The one sort Saint Iames in the first Chapter of his first Epistle calleth Brethren of low degree : Iam. 1 , 9 and the other he calleth rich . Thus , there are poore , & abiect brethren , low , and little : and there are great , and rich , and flourishing brethren : and we must loue all . But yet out loue is chiefly approued ( as before was shewed ) by such outwarde works , and duties , which we do vnto our lesser brethren ; for our greater brethren need them not : as Paul speaketh of the members of the naturall bodie : 2. Cor. 12 , 23 And vpon those members ( sayeth hee ) of the bodie which wee thinke to bee the lesse honourable , wee put on more honour : and our vncomely parts haue more comelinesse : for our comely parts need it not . Thus , the hunger , and nakednesse , the wants and distresses , the bands and prisonments of our little Brethren should be our care , and the matter especially to fire our loue : much lesse should wee set light of them , because they are little . Saint Iames compareth the prophane rich men of the world , with the rich Brethren , and reproueth the loue of the faithfull to whom hee writeth , for preferring the one before the other . And what do wee else , if in respect of their riches , their pompe , and dignitie , wee preferre in our loue , and the duties of loue , our greater Brethren before the lesse ? but let vs heare his words : Iam. 2 , 1 , 2 , & seq. My brethren ( sayth hee ) haue not the faith of our glorious Lorde Iesus Christ in respect of person . For if there come into your companie a man ( I adde , a brother ) with a gold ring , and in goodly apparrell , and there come in also a poore man , ( to wit , a brother ) in vite raiment , and yee haue a respect to him that weareth the gay clothing , and say vnto him , sitt● thou neere in a goodly place , and say vnto the poore , stand thou heere , or sit heere vnder my foote-stoole : are yee not partiall in your selues , and are become iudges which haue euill thought ? Hearken my beloued brethren , hath not God chosen the poore of this worlde that they should bee rich in fayth , and heyres of his kingdome , which he promised to them that loue him ? but yee haue despised the poore . Heere he toucheth the boyle . For there is a kinde of estimation , which belongeth vnto men of dignity , as the Lord hath diuided degrees in the world , some brethren hauing more honour , & some lesse . But our loue vnto all must bee alike , as well poore , as rich . And wee must haue somewhat the more care of the poore , that we exclude them not , for Saint Iames his reason , because the greater number of vs , I meane the brethren , are poore , and not rich , weake , & not strong ; base , and not honorable ; foolish , & not wise . Hearken my beloued brethren ( saith he ) hath not God chosen the poore of this world , Verse 3 that they should be rich in faith , and heyres of the kingdome , which he promised to them that loue him ? not that he excludeth the rich , but more commonly & generally in this choyse respecteth the poore , as Paul also sheweth in the first of the first to the Corinthians . Brethren ( saith he ) you see your calling , that is , who , 1. Cor. 1.26 & seq. and what manner of men amongst you , are called , and come vnto Christ , not many wise men after the flesh , not manie mightie , not many noble . But God hath chosen the foolish things of the worlde , to confounde the wise , and God hath chosen the weake things of the world to confounde the mightie , and vile things of the world , and things which are despised hath God chosen , and things which are not , to bring to naught things that are , that no flesh should glorie in his sight . And therefore I feare , if my heart giue a better welcome to a rich brother , then to a poore , that I loue not the brethren as I ought . Wherefore let not the carnall and outwarde beautie of Brethren beguile our mindes . The Kings Daughter is all glorious within . Psal. 45 , 14 Hebr. 13 , 2. Angels may bee strangers , as in the thirteenth to the Hebrewes , and the beautie of a brother may be hid vnder a very sorie weede .

The same may bee saide for the weake brethren , of whome somewhat already hath bin spoken . And therfore briefly thus : be their weaknesse neuer so great , euen as of children in Christ , and their infirmities neuer so many ; lacke they knowledge or conscience sometimes in somethings ( For who can say , sayth Salomon : Prou. 20 , 9 I haue cleansed my heart , I am cleane from sinne : ) Wee must take them with all their faults , as wee are taken , and loue them as wee are loued , and were loued , euen when we were enemies , as saith the Apostle : & the weaker our brethren are , Rom. , 510 the more must be our care , and our burthen the greater to beare them and make them better . Brethren ( saith the Apostle in the sixt to the Galathians● if a man be preuented in any fault ye which are spirituall restore such a one in the spirit of meekenesse , Gal , 6 , 1 considering thy selfe least thou also be tempeed . Beare yee one anothers burthen , and so fulfill the law of Christ .

And thus much touching the first general point of this sentence , what , or whom we must loue , to wit , the brotherhood or fellowship , of brethren none excepted . Nowe somewhat of the loue it selfe , and so an ende .

And first , when as the Apostle here saith , & exhorteth , saying , Loue the brotherhood , hee meaneth not that the faithfull to whome hee writeth , and in whom he acknowledgeth all the graces of God , were simply void of loue , or that they had not some loue alreadie , when he wrote vnto them : but that they should continue in loue , and increase in loue , and loue more perfectlie then before . For otherwise for the Brethren to loue together , is as kind and as naturall , as for the birdes to flie together ; for the heardes to feede , and to lie together ; yea , for the members of the body to liue & moue together : for loue is as it were , the life and soule of the Brethren . And therfore it is monstriloco , a monster , to see Brethren not to loue together . And when it fel out otherwise in the Church of Corinth , it seemed so absurd and strange to the Apostle , that he maketh as it were , an outcrie vpon it , as if they had lost their wisedome , and almost their wits , that some brethren fel out , & others could suffer it . I speake it to your shame ( saith he ) is it so that there is not a wise man amongst you ? 1. Cor. 6 , 5 , 6 , & seq. no , not one that can iudge betweene his Brethren ? but a Brother goeth to Lawe with a brother , and that vnder the Infidels . Now therefore there is altogether infirmitie in you , in that you go to Law one with another . Why rather suffer yee not wrong . Why rather sustaine yee not harme ? Nay , you your selues doo wrong , and doo harme ; and that to your Brethren . There is the wonder .

But to speake more distinctly of this loue , we may shortly consider in it these three points before mentioned , first the continuance secondly the increase : and thirdly , the perfection , or rather the synceritie and puritie of our loue . For the first , in the thirteenth to the Hebrewes , and first , Let brotherly loue continue , Heb. 13.1 saith the Apostle : that is , see that it breake not off but run in one threed , and hold together vnto the end . For the reward is certain . For as the apostle exhorteth the Galathians , saying , Gal 6. ● Let vs not be wearie of well doing , for in time wee shall reape , if wee faint not . So because nothing is better then loue , let vs not be wearie of louing , for in time wee shall reape if we faint not .

And indeed why should we leaue so good a thing ? which wee cannot do , but we are in danger to fall into the contrarie . For anger it selfe , what is it , but a breach of loue , of which the Apostle faith , Be angry and sinne not : Ephes. 4 , 26 Let not the Sunne go downe vppon your wrath , neither giue place vnto the diuell , who quickly taketh it , and tempteth vnto discord .

And besides it is a goodly thing to see the streame of loue runne cleare without troubling ; as Salomon speaketh of the prosperitie , and aduersitie of the righteous , in the fiue and twentieth of Prouerbs : Prou. 25 , 29 As a fountain trampled with the feete , or a spring mard , so is the iust which is remooued before the wicked . The prosperitie of the iust , is the cleare spring , and the aduersitie of the same , is the spring troubled . and euen so the course of our loue continued is the cleare spring , and it is a goodly thing to see it cleare , as stil it woulde bee , were it not for troubling . And therefore Paule in a certaine holy impaciencie , and zealous desire of the continuance of the loue of the Galathians , exclaimeth thus , Vtinam & abscindantur qui vos conturbant : Gal , 5 , 12 I woulde they were euen cut off that trouble you .

And also wee ought to looke the more vnto our loue , that it breake not with any brother that loueth vs , because the kinde heart is soonest , and deepest wounded , and the cure thereof is verie hard . Of which Salomon sayeth in the eighteenth of the Prouerbs : Prou. 18 , 19 A brother offended is harder to win then a strong Citie , and their contentions are like the barre of a Pallace .

And yet wee denie not , but as the Sunne sometimes is darkned by the Clowdes , engendred of some grosse exhalations from the earth : so the light of our loue is misted ; and the heat thereof rebated by some sinister and corrupt affections of our fleshly nature . And as in phrenetical persons we see that they haue their lucida interualla , bright and calme inter missions , which are not in the nature of the disease : So the louing brethren haue turbida interualla , their troubled fittes , which are not in the nature of their loue And therefore , as the Sunne at the last breaketh through the mist , and cloude : and those that are taken with the phrenzie , returne to their madnesse as before : so the brethren to their loue , which no more can bee parted , or depart from their hearts , then the light from the Sunne ; or life from the soule , which is impossible . And therefore , as Pharaoh , notwithstanding his sundrie pretenses , yea , his purposes , and permissions , and at the last his owne fact in letting the Israelites go out of his land , returned to his owne nature , repenting , where bee should not , and followeth after the same people to bring them backe , whome himself by commandement had sent away : so on the other side brethren , notwithstanding for a season they haue a bent another way , which leadeth from their loue , as blinded with errour , tempted by Satan , and carried with the violence of their affections : yet time will trie them , and if they bee brethren , they will come to themselues , and their loue agained notwithstanding some vnkindnesse for a season : For greater is hee that is in vs ( sayeth Iohn ) then hee that is in the worlde . 1 , Iohn 4 , 4 And as Paule in the fifth of the first to Timothie , 1. Tim. 5 , 24 25 speaketh of two sorts of Ministers , the one hypocriticall , deceiuing the Church at the first , and prouing bad at the last , of whom he sayth , some mens sinnes , or faults , are open before hande , and go before vnto iudgement , but some m●●● follow af●● and the others such , who ●hough●●● y●●le●i●e ; and are neg●ligent , and bu●●● their giftes for a season , yet comming , to themselues againe , and as it were reui●ing , doo afterwardes shewe the fruits of their labour , and approue themselues to the Church of God ; and of these he sayth in the words next following : Likewise also the good workes are manifest before hande and they that are otherwise 〈◊〉 bee hid : So may wee say , comparing the brethren vnto this better sort of Ministers , that though some of them sometimes breake off from that course of loue , which they ought to continue , and sleepe in the forgetfulnesse of their dutie ( as of both sorts of virgins , both the wise , and the foolish , it is sayde they slep●● yet the brethren euen all cope , haue Oyle in their Lampes , and their loue awaketh with them , and embraceth the brethren , whome before it did not . And the good workes of their o●e , which at their first calling appeared , and were manifest to all men , ( yet altered ●or● a time , and carried into other behauiors , and bee seeming the course which first began ) cannot be hid , as sayeth Paule , but shall be seene to be ●●●o such at the last , as they were at the first . For loue breaketh through all lettes , and passeth by 〈◊〉 couereth the multitude of sinnes , suffering all things , 1. Cor. 13 , 7 ●●●●●ning all things , hoping all things , ●dd●●ing all things at the handes of our brethren . And with a godlie sorrowe worketh repentaunce and reformation for our owne offences towards them , with great care , yea , 3 Cor. 7 , 11 with clearing of our selues , yea , with indignation , yea , with f●are ; yea ; with great desire , yea with zeale ; yea ; with punishment , for reconciliation , till the strong Citie bee wonne ; and one contentions , though as harde to breake as the barre of a pallace , be yet broken a sunder , and our selues reunited in the loue of brethren . So all at the last was forgiuen , and forgotten , betweene Ioseph and his brethren ; and their loue brast out in teares , and they wept , and reioyced , and kissed , and embraced , and theyr hearts were comforted in the loue of brethren . Gen. 45

The second consideration which we haue of our loue , is the encrease of the same . Of the which the Apostle in the fourth of the first to the Thessalonians , 1. Thes. 4 , 9 14 writeth thus : But as touching brotherly lo●● ( fayeth hee ) yee neede not that I write vnto you : for ye are taught of God to loue one another Yea , and that thing verelie yee doo vnto all the brethren , which are throughout all Macedonia : but , wee beseech you brethren , that you increase more and more . Wee are not therefore to stande at a stay in loue , but still to walke forwarde from loue to loue . For this is the way of the righteous : and of it Salomon sayeth in the fourth of the Prouerbs , Prou. 4.18 The way of the righteous shyneth as the light , that shyneth more and more vnto the perfect day . And the right loue of brethren is as fire , which still increaseth , and inflameth them with a certaine naturall affection and inclination to embrace one another , of which the Apostle in the twelfth to the Romans saith . Rom. 12 , 10 Bee affectioned to loue one another with brotherly loue . And this affection or inclination cannot stay it self , vntill it come to the highest degree of loue , and leadeth vs to that which Peter requireth in the first Chapter of this Epistle , namelie , 1 Pet 1 , 22 That wee loue one another out of a pure heart , vehementlie , or as our English translation giueth it , Feruentlie , with all the heart , and with all the soule , and with all the might : and so our loue become zeale , which hath eaten vs vp , & we all in a zeale do loue the brethren . Which condemneth ( my brethren ) the loue of these times , the last I thinke ; in which it is come to passe , as our Sauiour foretold , that because iniquitie shall abounde , the loue of manie , yea , manie brethren , I had almost said towards brethren is waxen colde .

But ( to come to the third and last point ) whether wee loue little , or whether wee loue much , according to the measure of grace which wee haue receiued , let vs yet loue purely ; and that loue which wee haue , let it bee loue in deede . Not euerie one ( sayeth Christ ) that sayth vnto me . Lorde , Mat. 7 , 22. Lorde , that is , which professeth himselfe my seruaunt , shall enter into the Kingdome of Heauen : but hee that dooth the will of my Father which is in Heauen . Not euerie one that sayeth Brother , Brother , shall haue the prayse of true loue , but hee that will doo for his brother indeede . 2. Sam. 20 , 9 , 10. Not as Ioab , which saluted Amasa , and sayde , Art thou in health my brother ? Faigned loue and hee tooke . Amasa by the ●eard with the right hand , to kisse him . But with his sword he smote him in the fifth rib , and shedde out his bowelles to the ●round . This was not loue , but dissimulation , which ought to bee farre from the loue of brethren . So the Apostle commaundeth in the twelfth to the Romans , Let loue ( saith he ) be without dissimulation . Rom. 12 , 9 And Peter in the first Chapter of this Epistle , requireth brotherly loue vnfaigned ; 1. Pet. 1 , 22 With brotherly loue vnfaigned ( saith hee ) not of a pure heart loue ye one another feruently . Therefore this loue which kisseth ; & killeth , which marrieth , and burieth all in a day , is not worthy of mention with the loue of brethren .

No , nor a better loue then this : Idle loue . a better , I call it , because it doth no harme : and yet is not good inough , because it dooth no good . If a brother or asister ( saith Iames ) be naked , Iam. 2 , 15 , 16 and destitute of daily foode ; and one of you say vnto him , Depart in peace , beeye warmed , and be yee filled : not withstanding , yee giue them not those things that are needefull for the body , what helpeth it ? This lip-loue Saint Iames refuseth : and Saint Iohn wil none of it , saying , in his first Epistle and third Chapter , My little children , let vs not loue in word , neither in tongue onely ; but in deede and in truth . 1 Ioan. 3 , 18 As if there were no trueth in loue , without the deede , if do it can , and doth it not .

And yet againe there is another loue not aright , which doth some good , and leadeth to some duties which are profitable , but not for loue sake ; but because wee receiued some good before , or may receiue profit by the fame againe . And this we may call a seruile loue , Seruile loue . because it worketh for wages and nothing els ; and is no better ( as our Sauiour teacheth vs ) but that sinners and Publicans may haue the like . Matth , 5 , 46 , 47. Luke 6 , 32 , 33.

But to leaue these loues , which are none of ours , & to note that which indeede the Apostle meaneth , Simple loue it is a simple loue , pure , & voyde of all respects , & loueth the brethren for the brethrens sake . Of which we may say as Salomon speaketh in the fourteenth of Prouerbs , of the sense and iudgement of the mind towards mirth , or mourning : The mind ( saith hee ) acknowledgeth his own bitternes , Prou. 14 , 10 or what is better to it selfe : and in the mirth therof no strange thing doth mixt it selfe . That is , it trieth al things , and taketh what it loueth , & leaueth what it liketh not . And euen so this loue of brethren , it hath her proper iudgement , & nothing it aloweth but what is like hir self . It admitteth no respects of rich or poore ; wise , or vnwise ; strong , or weak ; profitable or vnprofitable : but looketh to the brotherbood or company of brethren ( as Peter requireth ) & in the name of brethren , as Christ speaketh in the tenth of Matthew , Matth. 10 that is , as brethren , and in the onely nature of Brethren , it embraceth them , and nothing in them besides . Paul saluteth Timothie thus , Vnto Timothie my naturall Sonne in the faith : 1. Tim. 1 , 2 so calling him , because he had a true and a naturall faith . For there is a naturall faith , which bringeth foorth a naturall loue , of which wee speake : and there is a bastard faith , of which is ingendred a bastard loue of false Brethren . These also are amongst vs , but they are not of vs : and how little worth their loue is , I neede not speake : the white of in egge , or a sticke hath as much tast as it . And these , as they lie in out way , needes wee must deale with them but still we scare them , as a quauer mice that shal●eth vnder vs , & sometime or other they will deceiue vs . The Apostle in the eleuenth of the second to the Corinthians , reckoning vp all his ●e●illes , to make vp●e the heape , 1. Cor 11 , 26 at last addeth this ; I● perilles amongst false brethren . And who of vs my Brethren , in casting vp the summe of all our troubles , can leaue out this , In perils of false brethren or , if for the present wee can , the time may come that it may be added . For the broode of Ismael doth spawne apace . Hee that eate bread with me , Psal. 41 , 10 Ioan. 13 , 18 hath lift vp his heele against me , saith Dauid , saith Christ . And how should anie Christian looke for better ? Most men ( saith Salomon in the twelfth of Prouerbs ) Do prayse each man his own kindnesse : but who can finde a faithfull man ? Prou. 3 , 6 to wit , which sheweth so much , as hee saith he is . Thus many say they loue , but proofe maketh all . Wherefore ( saith the Apostle to the Corinthians , 2. Cor , 8 , 24 in the second Epistle and eight Chapter ) Shew towardes them ( to wit , Titus , and another brother sent vnto them ) shew ( saith he ) towardes them , and before the Churches , the proofe of your loue , and of the reioycing that wee haue of you .

And what proose or testimonie of our loue ( my Brethren ) shall I call for heere ? surely none at this time but this , which none will denie , but loue will yeelde it , or none at all ; it is so light , it is so little : and yet I would to GOD our loue would yeeld it . And this it is , namely , that at the least we would come together , and see one another , and talke together , as louing brethren , of our father , and of our mother , and of our elder Brother , in whome , and whose loue wee are adopted children ; of theyr loue towardes vs , and our faith towards them ; as likewise of our loue one towardes another ; of our necessities , of our afflictions , of our ioyes and comforts , of our hope , of our happinesse , & of the crowne , of our inheritaunce laide vp in heauen ; & further , to instruct , to exhort , to comfort , to admonish , and edifie one another : Without the which I see not how loue can worke . Wherefore the Apostle in the tenth to the Hebrewes , exhorteth thus : Heb. 10 , 24 , 25 Consider ( sayth hee ) one another , to prouoke vnto loue , and to good workes . Then hee sheweth the meane . Not forsaking ( saith hee ) the fellowshippe that wee haue amongst our selues , as the manner of sonne is . And who are those some , but euen wee , which shoulde consider one another to prouoke vnto loue , and to good workes ; which wee do verie little ; and all because wee forsake the fellow shippe that wee haue , or should haue amongst our selues , each man contenting himselfe with himselfe , when lawfully and without let , wee might ioyne with many Brethren . Did Christ so , who neuer ( almost ) went without his Brethren ? or , did Paul so , who so earnestly prayed for a iourney to Rome , to see the faithful , For I long ( saith he ) to see you , that I might bestow among you some spirituall gift ; that you might be strongthened , that is , that I might be comforted , ( saith out ) Translation ) together with you . But the words of the Originall I interpret thus , That there might be ioynt exhortation amongst you , that is that , I might exhort together with you , or , ioyne my exhortaion togither with yours . For this is the spirituall gift , which beforech saith , heareth to bestow vpon them , by their ●●●tall faith : that is , by each others gift and knowledge in the faith , or doctrine of faith , both theirs and his .

But all are not Apostles , all are not ministers . Yea , but are all brethren , as the Thessalonians ; and the Apostle in the sift of the first exhorteth thus : 1. Thes 5 , 11 Wherefore exhort one another , and edifie one another euen as yee do . Which how can it be better done , then when we come together ? Which though it be not alwaies , nor cannot be , yet as ofte as it may bee , let it bee , my brethren ; and when it may not be , let it be , as it may . And howe is that ? let the hand be the mouth , and the penne our speech ; and our Epiftles and Letters , as the liuely characters of our hearts and mindes , let them present vs vnto the bretheren . For I am ashamed ( almost ) to thinke that wee are not ashamed of so many bunches and bags full of Letters , written onely for the things of this perishing life , and scarse one or two in a yeere ( if anie at all ) sent , or receiued of this kinde , I meane , concerning the loue of Brethren . As if neither Saint Peter here , nor any Apostle besides , had euer saide ; Loue the brotherhood : or , as if we could loue them , and do nothing for them , neuer so much as fee them , speake with them , or heare how they do .

And this ( deerely beloued ) maketh our greater and publike assemblies ( which what are they also but certaine holy communications betweene God , & his people , when either hee , by the word preached , doth speake vnto vs ; or wee , by our prayers do speake vnto him ? ) this I say maketh them so colde and fruitlesse , that afterwards wee putte our sparkles on the cold hearth , & single our selues one from another , & haue not these priuate and lesser meetings betweene our selues , to confer of the things which we heard before . As if before we had assembled but for a fashion onely : which is not to assemble , but to dissemble . Paul , though absent in the flesh , Colossi. 2 , 5 yet was present in the spirit , reioycing ( as himselfe sayth ) and beholding the order of the Colossians in comming together . But wee , as present in the body , but absent in the spirit , ( which is absence indeede ) haue no such ioy in the vnities and societies of our holy Brethren . Whereby wee euen hazard the loosing of our Fathers blessing : who loueth to call vs , and to see vs togither , and then , and there to blesse vs ; as Iacob , his ' children : Gen. 49 , 1 , 2 whome hee called togither , and then hee blessed them . For this is a promise to the plurall number , not so expressely giuen vnto the singular : Where two or three are gathered togither in my name , Matt. 18.20 there am I in the middest of them . And in the hundred thirtie and third Psalme . Psal. 133 Beholde ( sayeth Dauid ) howe good and pleasant a thing it is brethren , to dwell togither in vnitie . It is like the precious Oyntment vppon the heade , that ranne downe vnto the bearde ; euen vnto Aarons beard , and went downe to the skirtes of his cloathing : Like as the dewe of Hermon , which fell vpon the Hill of Sion . And why so precious ? and why so pleasaunt ? The reason is added : Verse 3. For there ( this worde hee vseth significantlie , and as we say , emphaticallie ) there , as if hee sayde , there , and not else-where , as there , The Lord promiseth his blessing , and life for euermore .

Balaam beguiled with the wages of vnrighteousnesse , Iude ver. 11 Num. 22 , 13 woulde haue cursed the righteous . And yet hee cryeth out : Let my soule die the death of the iust ; Num. 23 , 10 and let my latter ende bee like vnto theirs . All woulde die the death of the brethren ; and manie professe the faith of brethren : but all will not liue the life of the brethren , for the life of the brethren is their loue , which dieth not , but liueth euer . 1. Cor. 13 , 13 As Paule sayeth , Nowe abideth faith , hope , and loue , euen these three . But the chiefest of these is loue . For it abydeth nowe , and euer . Whereupon Saint Iohn concludeth thus , ( and with this I conclude also . ) By this wee knowe that we are translated from death to life , 1. Iohn 3.14 because wee loue the brethren . For wee and our loue must liue togither .

The God of peace , and loue , encrease this loue , and knowledge in vs , and present vs blamelesse in his sight , through Iesus Christ : to whom be prayse for euer .

Amen . FINIS .