the Spirit unto the unfeigned love
of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,
being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the
word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever," 1 Pet. i. 22, 23. We are
begotten of one Father, and that by a divine birth, we have such a high
descent and royal generation! There are so many other bonds of unity
between us, it is absurd that this one more should not join all. "One
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one body, one spirit, called to one hope,
one God and Father of all," Eph. iv. 2-6. All these being one, it is
strange if we be not one in love. If so many relations beget not a strong
and warm affection, we are worse than infidels, as the apostle speaks, 1
Tim. v. 8. "If a man care not for his own house, his worldly interests,
he is worse than an infidel," for he has a natural affection. Sure then
this more excellent nature, a divine nature we are partakers of, cannot
want affection suitable to its nature. Christianity is a fraternity, a
brotherhood, that should overpower all relations, bring down him of high
degree, and exalt him of low degree; it should level all ranks, in this
one respect, unto the rule of charity and love. In Christ there is
neither Jew nor Gentile. There all differences of tongues and nations are
drowned in this interest of Christ, Col. iii. 11. "Thou hast hid those
things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes," Luke x.
21. And "God hath chosen the weak and foolish to confound the mighty and
wise," 1 Cor. i. 27. Behold all these outward privileges buried in the
depths and riches of God's grace and mercy. Are we not all called to one
high calling? Our common station is to war under Christ's banner against
sin and Satan. Why then do we leave our station, forget our callings, and
neglect that employment which concerns us all, and fall at odds with our
fellow-soldiers, and bite and devour one another? Doth not this give
advantage to our common enemies? While we consume the edge of our zeal
and strength of our spirits one upon another, they must needs be blunted
and weakened towards our deadly enemies. If our brother be represented
unto us under the covering of many faults, failings, and obstinacy in his
errors, or such like, if we can behold nothing but spots on his outside,
while we judge after some outward appearance, then, I say, we ought to
consider him again under another not