the_o spirit_z of_o christianity_n s.g._n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o his_o household_n and_o chapel_n 1686._o to_o the_o king_n sir_n as_o welcome_a as_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o treatise_n always_o be_v to_o your_o majesty_n and_o as_o happy_a as_o the_o author_n have_v be_v to_o please_v you_o with_o his_o manage_n it_o i_o do_v not_o present_v it_o yet_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o diffidence_n it_o be_v now_o i_o fear_v too_o coarse_o dress_v to_o thrust_v it_o into_o the_o presence_n i_o may_v peradventure_o with_o as_o good_a a_o grace_n make_v your_o majesty_n a_o present_a of_o wither_a flower_n or_o fruit_n blow_v down_o and_o bruise_v with_o the_o fall_n but_o scribbler_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o presumption_n and_o make_v bold_a with_o the_o name_n of_o prince_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o to_o every_o trifle_n with_o which_o their_o goodness_n have_v have_v so_o long_a patience_n that_o man_n offend_v now_o by_o prescription_n and_o i_o perhaps_o most_o of_o all_o who_o sin_v know_o and_o with_o a_o strong_a check_n from_o the_o persuasion_n i_o have_v that_o the_o importunity_n of_o officious_a impertinence_n be_v not_o the_o light_a of_o the_o many_o burden_n which_o sit_v so_o heavy_a on_o greatness_n but_o it_o be_v mine_n and_o all_o your_o subject_n comfort_v that_o your_o majesty_n can_v pardon_v great_a fault_n and_o that_o he_o be_v secure_a enough_o from_o be_v ill_o receive_v who_o entertain_v you_o with_o christianity_n though_o in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o fashion_n this_o comfort_n have_v flatter_v i_o into_o the_o boldness_n of_o gratify_v my_o ambition_n by_o own_v to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o much_o i_o glory_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o be_v your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a most_o faithful_a and_o most_o dutiful_a subject_a walter_n kirkham_n blount_n table_n of_o chapter_n chap._n i._o in_o what_o consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n page_n 1._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o this_o charity_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o christian_n pag._n 25._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o true_a practice_n of_o charity_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n pag._n 38._o chap._n iu._n in_o what_o order_n christian_a charity_n ought_v to_o be_v practise_v pag._n 53._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o several_a illusion_n to_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n be_v subject_a pag._n 65._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o mean_n to_o acquire_v christian_a charity_n pag._n 101._o chap._n vii_o three_o powerful_a motive_n to_o excite_v a_o christian_n to_o acquire_v the_o virtue_n of_o charity_n pag._n 110._o chap._n viii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n to_o move_v christian_n to_o charity_n pag._n 124._o errata_fw-la page_n 11._o line_n 18._o read_v blood_n shed_v p._n 19_o l._n 8._o r._n covet_v to_o p._n 60._o l._n 6._o r._n one_o soul_n p._n 69._o l._n 3._o r._n too_o much_o p._n 70._o l._n 25._o r._n as_o we_o ought_v p._n 87._o l._n 18._o r._n command_n p._n 93._o l._n 21._o r._n be_v itself_o p._n 94._o l._n 6._o r._n devotion_n p._n 96._o l._n 5._o r._n they_o advance_v p._n 97_o l._n 24._o r._n reflect_v on_o p._n 100_o l._n 10._o r._n open_v to_o l._n 20._o r._n be_v it_o as_o much_o l._n 26._o r._n the_o mean_a p._n 120._o l._n 26._o r._n reign_v so_o p._n 118._o l._n 17._o r._n life_n the._n the_o spirit_z of_o christianity_n chap._n i._o in_o what_o consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n the_o name_n of_o christian_a a_o name_n sanctify_v by_o the_o live_v of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o first_o faithful_a and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o martyr_n a_o name_n so_o divine_a that_o it_o fill_v the_o world_n heretofore_o with_o the_o fame_n of_o its_o glory_n be_v at_o present_a but_o as_o a_o glimmer_a light_n just_o go_v out_o and_o as_o a_o faint_a shadow_n of_o what_o it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o never_o be_v perhaps_o so_o much_o talk_v of_o christianity_n as_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n for_o every_o place_n now_o ring_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o profession_n so_o holy_a nothing_o be_v in_o our_o mouth_n but_o the_o first_o age_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o after_o all_o we_o may_v say_v very_o just_o there_o be_v never_o so_o few_o true_a christian_n as_o now_o adays_o the_o looseness_n the_o excess_n the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n in_o these_o time_n have_v so_o disfigure_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o feature_n of_o this_o most_o sacred_a character_n that_o there_o scarce_o remain_v the_o least_o sign_n of_o it_o fain_o will_v we_o enjoy_v the_o honour_n belong_v to_o this_o name_n without_o know_v the_o price_n of_o it_o we_o attribute_v to_o ourselves_o this_o glorious_a quality_n without_o concern_v for_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o deserve_v it_o and_o we_o vain_o boast_v ourselves_o to_o be_v without_o so_o much_o as_o know_v by_o what_o spirit_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v christian_n thus_o we_o lose_v the_o advantage_n of_o so_o elevate_v a_o dignity_n through_o the_o little_a care_n we_o take_v to_o learn_v its_o obligation_n it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o to_o remedy_v this_o evil_a a_o christian_a be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nobleness_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o holiness_n of_o its_o duty_n by_o make_v he_o comprehend_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o be_v a_o design_n of_o such_o importance_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o undertake_v it_o of_o myself_o have_v not_o god_n inspire_v i_o to_o do_v it_o as_o much_o for_o my_o own_o instruction_n as_o the_o edification_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v this_o small_a treatise_n although_o one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n but_o by_o faith_n yet_o one_o can_v live_v and_o act_v like_o a_o christian_n but_o by_o charity_n since_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v only_o in_o charity_n to_o understand_v this_o truth_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o motive_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o passion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o two_o fundamental_a mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o effect_n as_o we_o be_v only_a christian_n by_o the_o heavenly_a alliance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o our_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o inestimable_a price_n of_o his_o blood_n we_o degenerate_a from_o that_o spirit_n wherein_o we_o be_v conceive_v if_o we_o partake_v not_o in_o the_o holy_a motion_n of_o that_o fervent_a charity_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o these_o mystery_n for_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n become_v man_n mere_o to_o save_v man._n in_o his_o incarnation_n he_o take_v on_o himself_o our_o infirmity_n only_o to_o free_v we_o from_o they_o he_o embrace_v poverty_n in_o his_o birth_n only_o to_o enrich_v we_o he_o suffer_v death_n in_o his_o passion_n only_o to_o give_v we_o life_n and_o what_o be_v more_o to_o be_v admire_v man_n be_v worthy_a of_o nothing_o but_o his_o hate_n when_o god_n give_v he_o such_o signal_n testimony_n of_o his_o love_n before_o this_o ineffable_a mystery_n we_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o the_o greatness_n power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v say_v s._n paul_n no_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n the_o excess_n of_o this_o love_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n so_o much_o above_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n that_o all_o human_a reason_n as_o salvian_n assure_v we_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v well_o able_a to_o justify_v the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o innocent_a son_n which_o god_n give_v to_o redeem_v guilty_a servant_n it_o be_v true_a that_o from_o the_o first_o step_n the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v by_o his_o incarnation_n towards_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n appear_v very_o opposite_a to_o we_o he_o will_v be_v bear_v in_o poverty_n and_o distress_n who_o may_v have_v be_v bear_v in_o greatness_n and_o plenty_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v we_o not_o our_o wealth_n and_o treasure_n and_o that_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o ourselves_o he_o concern_v himself_o with_o nothing_o else_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o avoid_v our_o ignominy_n that_o he_o make_v himself_o like_o we_o only_o to_o take_v it_o upon_o he_o and_o dive_v himself_o of_o his_o greatness_n to_o clothe_v himself_o with_o our_o meanness_n but_o to_o give_v we_o yet_o great_a testimony_n of_o his_o love_n he_o transform_v himself_o into_o all_o shape_n that_o tenderness_n can_v inspire_v to_o do_v we_o
the_o wealth_n which_o each_o one_o possess_v this_o disengagement_n from_o all_o thing_n unite_v they_o more_o firm_o together_o they_o have_v but_o one_o spirit_n because_o they_o have_v but_o one_o interest_n the_o first_o flame_n of_o this_o love_n break_v out_o at_o the_o death_n of_o st._n stephen_n who_o have_v the_o glory_n to_o lay_v his_o life_n first_o down_n for_o jesus_n christ_n stone_n fly_v about_o he_o from_o all_o part_n the_o plain_n echo_a with_o the_o cry_n of_o those_o that_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o kill_v this_o holy_a levite_n his_o face_n be_v batter_v with_o blow_n his_o rib_n break_v his_o breast_n beat_v through_o his_o breath_n even_o quite_o go_v and_o yet_o he_o employ_v the_o little_a strength_n he_o have_v leave_v in_o beg_v god_n pardon_v for_o those_o that_o have_v treat_v he_o so_o cruel_o lord_n say_v he_o as_o he_o be_v die_v lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n thus_o to_o forget_v himself_o and_o employ_v his_o last_o word_n and_o sigh_n in_o solicit_v god_n in_o behalf_n of_o a_o crime_n commit_v upon_o himself_o be_v to_o tread_v the_o very_a step_n of_o his_o master_n and_o to_o be_v whole_o possess_v with_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o have_v no_o thought_n but_o these_o of_o tenderness_n in_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o so_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a a_o death_n be_v to_o die_v generous_o like_o a_o christian_n how_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o inspire_v so_o much_o mercy_n and_o of_o how_o great_a instruction_n to_o christian_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o this_o first_o bloodshed_n for_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n we_o see_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o same_o history_n the_o apostle_n animate_v by_o this_o spirit_n to_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o most_o scorch_a sand_n of_o aethiopia_n nor_o the_o desert_n of_o africa_n nor_o the_o frost_n of_o scythia_n nor_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o india_n nor_o sea_n nor_o tempest_n nor_o rock_n nor_o treason_n nor_o calumny_n nor_o contradiction_n of_o people_n nor_o opposition_n of_o law_n nor_o magistrate_n nor_o governor_n of_o province_n nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o chain_n nor_o prison_n nor_o gibbet_n nor_o even_o the_o most_o cruel_a death_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v their_o zeal_n nor_o shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o their_o heart_n danger_n encourage_v they_o difficulty_n animate_v they_o and_o their_o own_o weakness_n strengthen_v they_o because_o the_o charity_n by_o which_o they_o be_v possess_v render_v their_o own_o life_n inconsiderable_a when_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o neighbour_n be_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n be_v they_o do_v miracle_n which_o strike_v people_n with_o admiration_n they_o command_v the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n season_n obey_v they_o and_o even_o nature_n herself_o in_o some_o sort_n become_v their_o slave_n but_o after_o all_o the_o great_a of_o their_o miracle_n be_v their_o charity_n it_o be_v also_o this_o charity_n which_o make_v they_o with_o pleasure_n sacrifice_v their_o honour_n and_o life_n to_o carry_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o most_o remote_a nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o the_o profound_a blindness_n wherein_o they_o be_v this_o holy_a doctrine_n fly_v through_o the_o world_n whilst_o those_o that_o preach_v it_o be_v themselves_o in_o chain_n and_o prison_n and_o nothing_o persuade_v so_o powerful_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o charity_n of_o those_o that_o publish_v it_o thing_n in_o themselves_o incredible_a be_v believe_v though_o declare_v by_o such_o as_o be_v persecute_v by_o the_o whole_a world_n because_o they_o that_o tell_v they_o do_v first_o practice_v themselves_o what_o they_o teach_v other_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a they_o shall_v preach_v at_o all_o say_v st._n chrysostom_n because_o their_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a sermon_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o infidel_n be_v scandalize_v at_o their_o persecution_n their_o fetter_n their_o imprisonment_n and_o their_o suffering_n but_o the_o very_a union_n in_o which_o they_o live_v be_v so_o powerful_a that_o they_o who_o most_o revile_v their_o suffering_n submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n st._n paul_n likewise_o inflame_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n can_v not_o behold_v the_o reprobation_n of_o the_o jew_n a_o people_n heretofore_o so_o cherish_v by_o god_n without_o offer_v up_o himself_o in_o quality_n of_o a_o victim_n and_o wish_v himself_o anathematise_v for_o his_o brethren_n he_o who_o have_v so_o high_o protest_v that_o neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n nor_o any_o thing_n create_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o jesus_n christ_n now_o beg_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o he_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n st._n john_n that_o belove_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v nothing_o so_o deep_o engrave_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o this_o love_n for_o his_o neighbour_n this_o be_v the_o only_a practice_n of_o virtue_n he_o preach_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o grace_n as_o st._n jerome_n assure_v we_o love_n one_o another_o say_v he_o my_o dear_a child_n it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n i_o have_v to_o tell_v you_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n needful_a to_o be_v do_v he_o of_o all_z other_o speaks_z most_o clear_o of_o this_o doctrine_n because_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o other_o to_o sound_v the_o sentiment_n of_o his_o master_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o confidence_n jesus_n christ_n be_v please_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o above_o his_o other_o apostle_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n there_o be_v find_v such_o eminent_a tract_n of_o this_o spirit_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o the_o christian_n endeavour_v only_o by_o charity_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o pagan_n in_o their_o life_n there_o appear_v such_o visible_a mark_n of_o that_o new_a fire_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n that_o christian_n be_v know_v by_o their_o union_n and_o this_o fire_n wherewith_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a flame_v with_o such_o a_o light_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v darken_v with_o calumny_n nor_o extinguish_v by_o persecution_n it_o be_v likewise_o that_o voice_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o fierce_a and_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o afterward_o do_v chief_o contribute_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o faith_n the_o heathen_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o faithful_a they_o be_v oblige_v charitable_a always_o do_v good_a therefore_o they_o be_v christian_n for_o their_o belief_n their_o morality_n and_o their_o gospel_n be_v to_o love_v their_o neighbour_n and_o do_v good_a to_o every_o one_o they_o believe_v this_o new_a religion_n true_a because_o it_o command_v one_o man_n to_o love_v another_o which_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o just_a command_n of_o all_o other_o they_o become_v christian_n perceive_v in_o how_o perfect_a a_o union_n the_o christian_n live_v their_o meekness_n goodness_n affability_n moderation_n and_o inclination_n to_o oblige_v every_o one_o more_o powerful_o move_v the_o heathen_n to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n which_o profess_v so_o well-doing_n a_o virtue_n than_o all_o they_o do_v and_o the_o faith_n advance_v the_o fast_a by_o the_o good_a opinion_n people_n have_v conceive_v of_o his_o holiness_n who_o be_v author_n of_o so_o pure_a a_o law_n according_a to_o the_o prayer_n himself_o have_v make_v to_o his_o father_n speak_v of_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o end_n say_v he_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o we_o and_o that_o the_o world_n touch_v with_o this_o union_n may_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v you_o my_o father_n who_o have_v send_v i_o the_o union_n wherein_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v be_v the_o chief_a reason_n christ_n use_v to_o authorise_v his_o mission_n and_o excite_v people_n faith_n in_o effect_n this_o union_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o first_o age_n that_o st._n clement_n a_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n relate_v in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n that_o he_o have_v know_v divers_a christian_n in_o his_o time_n who_o themselves_o become_v slave_n to_o free_v their_o brethren_n out_o of_o slavery_n and_o that_o he_o have_v see_v other_o who_o in_o a_o painful_a and_o laborious_a life_n feed_v with_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n those_o that_o be_v in_o necessity_n st._n justin_n in_o the_o apology_n he_o make_v for_o religion_n before_o the_o emperor_n to_o give_v those_o prince_n a_o great_a idea_n of_o christianity_n mix_v throughout_o his_o discourse_n the_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o jesus_n christ_n give_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v charitable_a and_o well-doing_n like_o their_o heavenly_a father_n who_o pour_v forth_o his_o grace_n on_o
blood_n and_o life_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a devotion_n of_o all_o good_a people_n to_o sigh_v before_o god_n and_o to_o offer_v he_o vow_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n that_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v not_o be_v fruitless_a to_o they_o for_o the_o true_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o confine_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o his_o zeal_n within_o the_o narrow_a circle_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n he_o ought_v to_o labour_v for_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o other_o if_o his_o faith_n be_v so_o fervent_a and_o his_o prayer_n so_o humble_a and_o perseverant_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o so_o important_a a_o subject_n what_o fruit_n may_v he_o not_o hope_v this_o every_o one_o may_v practice_v and_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o in_o those_o country_n where_o he_o be_v not_o know_v lose_v its_o value_n well_o deserve_v that_o a_o christian_a zealous_a for_o his_o glory_n shall_v affect_v so_o holy_a and_o charitable_a a_o devotion_n behold_v throughout_o the_o whole_a discourse_n i_o have_v make_v there_o be_v a_o large_a way_n lie_v open_a for_o christian_a charity_n to_o exercise_v so_o many_o different_a good_a work_n as_o concern_v it_o but_o there_o remain_v one_o work_n of_o charity_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o practice_v so_o much_o the_o worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o he_o as_o no_o body_n be_v aware_a to_o think_v of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v often_o to_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o great_a one_o and_o for_o all_o those_o who_o providence_n abandon_v to_o the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a honour_n and_o the_o covetousness_n of_o riches_n man_n be_v always_o weak_a in_o elevation_n and_o prosperity_n then_o in_o depression_n and_o adversity_n the_o great_a he_o be_v the_o more_o worthy_a of_o compassion_n for_o greatness_n be_v a_o shelf_n so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a as_o its_o appearance_n be_v more_o deceitful_a it_o be_v not_o the_o vocation_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v always_o happy_a and_o successful_a and_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o god_n through_o a_o terrible_a order_n of_o his_o providence_n give_v up_o these_o worldly_a happy_a one_o to_o the_o wander_a of_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a judgement_n suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n which_o render_v they_o insensible_a of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o inspiration_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o have_v charity_n let_v we_o tremble_v for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o so_o sad_a a_o condition_n let_v we_o implore_v god_n mercy_n upon_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o falsl_o happy_a one_o let_v we_o give_v the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o same_o counsel_n as_o daniel_n heretofore_o give_v unto_o one_o of_o the_o great_a prince_n of_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v their_o injustice_n by_o deed_n of_o mercy_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o their_o sin_n by_o alm_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v great_a man_n understand_v that_o god_n bestow_v neither_o greatness_n nor_o power_n on_o they_o to_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o delicacy_n that_o their_o be_v raise_v to_o office_n oblige_v they_o more_o strict_o to_o be_v watchful_a and_o laborious_a that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o to_o assist_v more_o powerful_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o strong_a let_v we_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v not_o great_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v beneficial_a and_o helpful_a to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o the_o lustre_n of_o temporal_a honour_n and_o all_o these_o external_a greatness_n be_v but_o mark_n of_o their_o servitude_n and_o continual_a remembrance_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o dignity_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o christianity_n but_o more_o to_o set_v off_o the_o christian_a that_o the_o great_a one_o can_v pretend_v to_o heaven_n only_o by_o their_o alm_n for_o they_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o good_a that_o god_n who_o have_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v will_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o their_o quality_n but_o only_o to_o their_o good_a work_n and_o their_o charity_n when_o they_o shall_v appear_v before_o his_o throne_n this_o be_v what_o may_v in_o short_a be_v say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n who_o extent_n be_v beyond_o measure_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o know_v how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v unless_o we_o also_o know_v what_o method_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o chap._n iu._n in_o what_o order_n christian_a charity_n ought_v to_o be_v practise_v as_o the_o whole_a perfection_n of_o christianity_n may_v be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o charity_n so_o this_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o regulate_v of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n because_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o essential_a to_o charity_n as_o order_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a then_o precise_o to_o establish_v that_o order_n wherein_o charity_n ought_v to_o be_v practise_v for_o beside_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n frame_v several_a principle_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o thence_o come_v the_o great_a diversity_n of_o way_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n charity_n beside_o of_o herself_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o divers_a necessity_n of_o our_o neighbour_n oblige_v a_o christian_n to_o so_o many_o different_a duty_n that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o give_v any_o exact_a rule_n for_o distinguish_v they_o just_o this_o virtue_n become_v rash_a and_o indiscreet_a if_o not_o govern_v by_o prudence_n and_o charity_n without_o this_o prudence_n which_o be_v her_o principal_a guide_n be_v not_o a_o true_a charity_n the_o more_o fervent_a the_o zeal_n be_v and_o the_o more_o active_a the_o charity_n the_o more_o she_o need_v this_o science_n which_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n how_o to_o husband_n its_o heat_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n give_v thanks_o to_o her_o bridegroom_n because_o he_o have_v regulate_v in_o she_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n let_v we_o then_o seek_v out_o this_o rule_n so_o necessary_a to_o this_o virtue_n to_o distinguish_v its_o obligation_n and_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o order_n wherein_o it_o must_v be_v practise_v that_o so_o the_o essential_a duty_n may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o this_o order_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v lay_v the_o model_n by_o his_o own_o example_n when_o he_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v preach_v to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o gentile_n till_o they_o have_v preach_v first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o refuse_v that_o help_n the_o cananean_a woman_n s._n matthew_n speak_v of_o beg_v of_o he_o because_o she_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o he_o will_v reserve_v his_o favour_n for_o his_o own_o people_n like_o a_o pastor_n who_o mind_n only_o his_o own_o flock_n the_o apostle_n do_v the_o same_o there_o appear_v a_o distinction_n in_o their_o carriage_n they_o preach_v not_o to_o the_o gentile_n till_o the_o jew_n have_v refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o according_a as_o their_o master_n have_v order_v they_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o greatness_n of_o st._n paul_n zeal_n to_o announce_v jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o that_o zeal_n be_v regulate_v he_o go_v not_o indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o world_n his_o first_o care_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n wherever_o he_o find_v any_o of_o they_o in_o all_o his_o voyage_n and_o he_o mind_v not_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_n till_o he_o have_v try_v in_o vain_a all_o way_n to_o gain_v those_o people_n whence_o he_o spring_v this_o conduct_v remark_n to_o we_o in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v distinction_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n where_o three_o difficulty_n may_v be_v find_v the_o first_o be_v to_o know_v what_o side_n to_o take_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n come_v together_o the_o second_o be_v to_o separate_v our_o own_o interest_n from_o our_o neighbour_n the_o three_o be_v in_o the_o different_a interest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o know_v which_o to_o prefer_v before_o the_o other_o behold_v methinks_v the_o order_n that_o charity_n prescribe_v in_o these_o encounter_n and_o the_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o the_o first_o rule_n which_o regard_v the_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o affair_n that_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o our_o
good_a now_o he_o be_v a_o solicitous_a shepherd_n run_v after_o the_o stray_a sheep_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o to_o the_o flock_n then_o he_o be_v a_o father_n compassionate_a of_o the_o misery_n to_o which_o debauchery_n have_v bring_v his_o son_n who_o he_o reclaim_v by_o manage_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o young_a man_n with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n a_o traveller_n be_v wound_v by_o thief_n on_o the_o road_n to_o jericho_n and_o he_o become_v a_o physician_n to_o his_o wound_n a_o samaritan_n woman_n be_v desirous_a to_o see_v jesus_n and_o he_o charitable_o set_v himself_o to_o instruct_v she_o thereby_o to_o gain_v she_o and_o that_o thirst_v he_o will_v quench_v by_o drink_v the_o water_n he_o demand_v from_o she_o be_v only_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o great_a thirst_n and_o zeal_n which_o he_o have_v for_o her_o salvation_n he_o humble_v himself_o to_o appear_v unto_o magdalen_n even_o like_o a_o gardener_n and_o to_o comfort_v she_o he_o converse_v familiar_o with_o she_o in_o so_o mean_v a_o outside_n to_o be_v short_a he_o become_v a_o traveller_n with_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n to_o free_v they_o from_o that_o doubt_n and_o trouble_v into_o which_o their_o distrust_n have_v throw_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o a_o thousand_o other_o testimony_n of_o his_o bounty_n towards_o we_o when_o we_o fly_v from_o he_o he_o follow_v we_o he_o call_v we_o when_o we_o forget_v he_o he_o press_o urge_v we_o when_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o when_o we_o slight_v he_o he_o complain_v kind_o of_o we_o and_o when_o we_o return_v to_o he_o after_o have_v offend_v he_o he_o seem_v so_o sensible_a that_o he_o take_v more_o pleasure_n to_o make_v his_o own_o joy_n and_o that_o of_o his_o whole_a celestial_a court_n break_v out_o at_o the_o repentance_n of_o one_o sinner_n then_o at_o the_o fidelity_n and_o perseverance_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o just_a because_o his_o glory_n appear_v more_o in_o pardon_v then_o punish_v st._n john_n thunder_v forth_o nothing_o but_o threat_n and_o terror_n to_o his_o hearer_n because_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n jesus_n christ_n say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v sweet_a and_o mild_a because_o he_o speak_v according_a to_o his_o own_o maxim_n and_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n but_o never_o do_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n appear_v more_o then_o at_o his_o passion_n for_o that_o very_a night_n wherein_o man_n conspire_v his_o death_n this_o god_n of_o goodness_n think_v of_o nothing_o but_o to_o leave_v he_o mark_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o tenderness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n by_o the_o black_a of_o treason_n betray_v he_o to_o his_o enemy_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n he_o give_v his_o most_o sacred_a body_n for_o food_n for_o their_o soul_n he_o die_v at_o last_o load_v with_o reproach_n and_o ignominy_n after_o have_v be_v drag_v from_o tribunal_n to_o tribunal_n forsake_v by_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o abandon_v by_o all_o the_o world_n he_o die_v a_o public_a and_o infamous_a death_n nail_v to_o a_o cross_n amid_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o those_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o he_o die_v with_o a_o silence_n a_o sweetness_n a_o tranquillity_n a_o patience_n a_o peace_n and_o quiet_a which_o astonish_v his_o very_a executioner_n they_o reproach_v he_o when_o he_o be_v die_v that_o he_o can_v save_v other_o but_o not_o himself_o nor_o be_v this_o reproach_n without_o reason_n because_o he_o think_v no_o long_o of_o himself_o but_o only_o of_o man_n and_o amid_o the_o horror_n of_o so_o cruel_a a_o death_n plunge_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o grief_n and_o bitterness_n he_o never_o open_v his_o die_a eye_n nor_o turn_v they_o towards_o heaven_n but_o to_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o his_o father_n even_o for_o those_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n say_v father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v he_o shed_v his_o blood_n he_o die_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o executioner_n that_o crucify_v he_o what_o excess_n of_o love_n how_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o capacity_n s._n chrisostom_n have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o great_a testimony_n christ_n give_v of_o his_o divinity_n be_v the_o extend_v his_o love_n even_o to_o all_o those_o who_o kill_v he_o for_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n can_v love_v at_o a_o rate_n so_o much_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o man._n but_o though_o the_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v for_o man_n be_v very_o observable_a in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n yet_o be_v they_o nowhere_o more_o strong_a and_o tender_a then_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o christ_n himself_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a morality_n of_o the_o gospel_n turn_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o have_v charity_n for_o on_o his_o neighbour_n every_o thing_n conspire_v to_o settle_v there_o this_o important_a maxim_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o though_o the_o evangelist_n write_v nothing_o by_o agreement_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v publish_v rather_o upon_o occasion_n then_o by_o design_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o master_n they_o write_v we_o find_v therein_o so_o great_a a_o conformity_n of_o sentiment_n on_o this_o principle_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o their_o manner_n of_o declare_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o essential_a to_o christianity_n than_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o whole_a law_n say_v st._n matthew_n be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o precept_n it_o be_v the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o say_v st._n mark_n jesus_n christ_n carry_v it_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o perfection_n in_o st._n luke_n where_o he_o oblige_v the_o faithful_a represent_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o love_v their_o enemy_n to_o do_v good_a for_o evil_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o calumniator_n last_o of_o all_o st._n john_n who_o know_v most_o of_o his_o master_n secret_n and_o penetrate_v deep_a into_o his_o thought_n place_n the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n by_o this_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v say_v our_o saviour_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o apostle_n that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o this_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o be_v reduce_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n recommend_v nothing_o so_o earnest_o to_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n as_o concord_n and_o union_n because_o this_o union_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o religion_n he_o establish_v the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v all_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o same_o spirit_n make_v they_o speak_v they_o treat_v their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n both_o alike_o in_o their_o history_n a_o god_n murder_v by_o man_n and_o a_o innocent_a man_n oppress_v by_o calumny_n may_v have_v afford_v their_o zeal_n some_o reason_n for_o exaggeration_n yet_o they_o allow_v themselves_o nothing_o which_o have_v any_o show_n of_o emotion_n or_o violence_n they_o relate_v the_o treason_n of_o judas_n the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o executioner_n the_o injustice_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n without_o any_o touch_n of_o bitterness_n against_o their_o person_n they_o speak_v in_o a_o way_n apt_a to_o make_v one_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o concern_v in_o what_o they_o say_v a_o spirit_n so_o unintere_v be_v without_o example_n and_o whereof_o the_o common_a sort_n 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the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a tertullian_n in_o the_o defence_n he_o make_v of_o our_o religion_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n severus_n set_v forth_o most_o admirable_o well_o the_o great_a love_n and_o union_n among_o christian_n whereby_o they_o gain_v the_o esteem_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n vespasian_n the_o christian_n do_v so_o often_o and_o liberal_o assist_v the_o imprison_a martyr_n with_o their_o temporal_a good_n that_o notorious_a thief_n counterfeit_v themselves_o christian_n and_o cast_v themselves_o into_o prison_n that_o so_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o their_o succour_n a_o while_n after_o the_o disorder_n be_v so_o great_a in_o africa_n that_o a_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n to_o remedy_v they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o give_v these_o alm_n because_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o do_v private_o scoff_n at_o the_o abuse_v they_o commit_v therein_o but_o in_o process_n of_o 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the_o empire_n he_o no_o long_o look_v on_o his_o subject_n as_o his_o slave_n as_o the_o other_o emperor_n have_v do_v but_o he_o regard_v they_o as_o his_o brother_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o the_o same_o master_n and_o same_o god_n that_o he_o adore_v and_o he_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o his_o imperial_a purple_n then_o to_o fortify_v his_o authority_n that_o he_o may_v make_v holy_a ordinance_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o people_n and_o satisfy_v his_o great_a inclination_n to_o do_v good_a to_o such_o as_o god_n have_v put_v under_o his_o power_n the_o force_n of_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n be_v arrive_v at_o antioch_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o have_v throw_v down_o his_o statue_n the_o hermit_n of_o the_o neighbour_a mountain_n and_o desert_n round_o about_o appear_v all_o at_o once_o issue_v out_o of_o their_o solitary_a dwelling_n and_o cave_n to_o implore_v clemency_n of_o the_o emperor_n officer_n for_o such_o as_o have_v offend_v our_o prince_n cry_v out_o these_o holy_a hermit_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o will_v have_v compassion_n when_o he_o shall_v know_v our_o complaint_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v you_o to_o imbrue_v your_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o brethren_n these_o holy_a man_n be_v repulse_v by_o the_o soldier_n address_v themselves_o to_o the_o officer_n and_o obtain_v a_o delay_n of_o the_o punishment_n they_o immediate_o put_v to_o sea_n and_o be_v arrive_v at_o constantinople_n cast_v themselves_o at_o the_o emperor_n foot_n and_o offer_v their_o own_o head_n to_o save_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a the_o whole_a court_n admire_v the_o zeal_n of_o so_o fervent_a a_o charity_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o emperor_n have_v pardon_v their_o offence_n gain_v more_o honour_n by_o this_o act_n of_o his_o clemency_n than_o he_o ever_o do_v by_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o diadem_n this_o great_a saint_n can_v not_o cease_v from_o praise_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v be_v so_o powerful_a to_o suppress_v the_o rage_n of_o so_o mighty_a a_o prince_n and_o to_o inspire_v he_o with_o such_o a_o mild_a temper_n as_o few_o even_o private_a person_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o fervour_n of_o this_o spirit_n too_o that_o so_o many_o illustrious_a lady_n who_o in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o christianity_n the_o paula_n the_o marcella_n the_o albina_n the_o melania_n the_o flaccilla_n the_o paulina_n do_v more_o honour_n to_o religion_n then_o by_o the_o nobleness_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o birth_n or_o the_o splendour_n of_o their_o fortune_n the_o stream_n of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v fill_v with_o example_n express_v this_o character_n which_o then_o be_v find_v in_o emperor_n and_o private_a person_n in_o great_a and_o in_o little_a in_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o in_o effect_n this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o in_o follow_v age_n be_v find_v more_o or_o less_o fervent_a according_a as_o religion_n flourish_v more_o or_o less_o true_a it_o be_v that_o this_o charity_n never_o show_v its_o self_n in_o its_o full_a purity_n but_o at_o its_o birth_n and_o its_o brightness_n appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a at_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o grace_n that_o encourage_v it_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o more_o abundant_a but_o although_o it_o seem_v that_o christianity_n be_v become_v more_o weak_a and_o faint_a as_o it_o run_v on_o far_a from_o its_o source_n through_o the_o course_n of_o so_o many_o age_n yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n some_o spark_n have_v show_v themselves_o of_o this_o divine_a fire_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o it_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o first_o age_n paulin_n have_v be_v see_v sell_v their_o own_o liberty_n to_o deliver_v their_o brethren_n from_o servitude_n there_o have_v be_v find_v more_o than_o once_o a_o john_n calabite_n and_o a_o john_n almoner_n
who_o have_v divest_v themselves_o of_o all_o thing_n to_o give_v all_o to_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v read_v in_o st._n anselm_n that_o elphegus_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o eleven_o age_n be_v take_v prisoner_n by_o the_o enemy_n choose_v rather_o to_o die_v then_o consent_v his_o flock_n shall_v be_v overcharge_v for_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o life_n i_o say_v nothing_o of_o st._n bernardin_n of_o sienna_n nor_o of_o st._n charles_n who_o so_o christian-like_a expose_v their_o life_n to_o assist_v at_o their_o death_n those_o infect_v with_o the_o plague_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v st._n francis_n xaverius_n who_o leave_v his_o country_n house_n and_o hope_n to_o run_v to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n after_o savage_n and_o barbarian_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o amid_o the_o deplorable_a remissness_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o age_n how_o many_o great_a interest_n great_a 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profound_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n for_o what_o mean_v the_o indifferency_n of_o these_o false_a pastor_n who_o without_o the_o least_o compassion_n see_v the_o flock_n of_o jesus_n christ_n scatter_v and_o stray_a what_o mean_v this_o so_o cold_a tranquillity_n but_o what_o our_o lord_n himself_o say_v that_o the_o true_a pastor_n whereof_o himself_n be_v the_o model_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o flock_n and_o that_o the_o mercenary_a pastor_n concern_v not_o himself_o for_o the_o flock_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o be_v a_o hireling_n it_o be_v in_o charity_n then_o alone_o consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n we_o seek_v after_o she_o be_v that_o precious_a jewel_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o must_v be_v purchase_v at_o any_o rate_n to_o become_v the_o true_o rich_a of_o the_o new_a law_n let_v we_o then_o renounce_v our_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n if_o they_o be_v obstacle_n to_o our_o possess_n it_o but_o to_o animate_v ourselves_o still_o more_o to_o acquire_v it_o let_v we_o look_v into_o its_o value_n by_o consider_v its_o nature_n and_o quality_n it_o be_v that_o must_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o this_o charity_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o christian_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o love_v man_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a virtue_n to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o virtue_n sake_n for_o love_n that_o be_v found_v on_o honesty_n wisdom_n good_a inclination_n fidelity_n or_o any_o other_o real_a merit_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o it_o be_v laudable_a to_o love_v these_o quality_n which_o be_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o praise_n but_o after_o all_o thus_o to_o love_v be_v to_o love_v but_o like_o a_o heathen_a for_o the_o pagan_n love_v those_o that_o love_v they_o and_o such_o as_o have_v quality_n worthy_a their_o love_n what_o be_v it_o then_o to_o love_v like_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v to_o love_v without_o harken_v to_o nature_n which_o will_v that_o we_o love_v our_o like_a it_o be_v to_o love_n even_o without_o consult_v our_o reason_n which_o require_v that_o we_o love_v what_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v nature_n and_o reason_n do_v not_o comprehend_v this_o secret_a the_o gospel_n must_v speak_v and_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o must_v teach_v it_o to_o love_v like_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o love_v that_o which_o have_v nothing_o amiable_a it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n for_o those_o that_o have_v all_o unkindness_n and_o rigour_n for_o we_o in_o fine_a to_o love_v like_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o wish_v we_o nothing_o but_o ill_a this_o virtue_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o moral_n of_o socrates_n and_o moses_n to_o philosophy_n and_o the_o old_a law_n the_o precept_n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n be_v of_o the_o new_a law_n and_o this_o so_o holy_a maxim_n can_v not_o come_v but_o out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o god_n so_o much_o it_o be_v raise_v above_o man._n it_o be_v indeed_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o in_o person_n that_o instruct_v we_o but_o i_o say_v to_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o calumniate_v and_o persecute_v you_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n behold_v our_o belief_n our_o gospel_n our_o morality_n and_o the_o true_a character_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o other_o mark_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o devotion_n penance_n hope_v in_o god_n humility_n and_o even_o martyrdom_n itself_o may_v be_v equivocal_a mark_n it_o be_v only_o the_o love_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o be_v not_o it_o be_v hereby_o alone_a that_o a_o christian_n can_v distinguish_v himself_o and_o to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n be_v to_o embrace_v the_o obligation_n to_o love_v the_o persecutor_n in_o love_v the_o persecution_n but_o how_o can_v a_o man_n love_n that_o which_o merit_v his_o hate_n when_o he_o have_v scacre_n power_n to_o love_v that_o which_o deserve_v to_o be_v belove_v what_o violence_n must_v not_o he_o use_v to_o himself_o before_o he_o gain_v that_o point_n he_o need_v not_o use_v any_o for_o from_o the_o instant_n that_o he_o sincere_o become_v a_o christian_n he_o love_v his_o enemy_n as_o real_o as_o his_o friend_n and_o the_o same_o motive_n that_o make_v a_o christian_a love_n god_n the_o same_o also_o make_v he_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o he_o see_v reflect_v on_o he_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o same_o light_n that_o make_v himself_o know_v god_n although_o his_o brother_n be_v his_o enemy_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o regard_v he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n sprinkle_v with_o his_o blood_n feed_v with_o his_o flesh_n enliven_v with_o his_o spirit_n destine_v to_o his_o glory_n that_o he_o profess_v the_o same_o law_n and_o religion_n as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o have_v both_o the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o pretension_n the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o when_o he_o consider_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o neighbour_n as_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o charity_n he_o love_v he_o and_o flesh_n blood_n nature_n reason_n interest_n and_o passion_n be_v too_o weak_a consideration_n to_o disunite_v heart_n tie_v together_o by_o so_o holy_a a_o union_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o all_o that_o be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a in_o christianity_n so_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o love_n of_o god_n as_o st._n leo_n teach_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n a_o christian_a can_v be_v
to_o his_o sovereign_a good_a if_o other_o possess_v they_o he_o unjust_o seize_v they_o he_o covet_v they_o criminal_o if_o he_o can_v get_v they_o and_o violate_v what_o be_v most_o sacred_a in_o society_n to_o enrich_v himself_o maugre_o his_o conscience_n against_o which_o he_o shut_v his_o ear_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o riches_n inspire_v this_o spirit_n of_o hardness_n and_o injustice_n as_o the_o fix_v too_o great_a a_o love_n on_o they_o for_o job_n be_v charitable_a in_o his_o abundance_n his_o wealth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o obstacle_n to_o his_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o his_o better_a practise_v it_o he_o be_v as_o himself_o say_v the_o father_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o protector_n of_o the_o afflict_a his_o door_n be_v always_o open_a to_o those_o in_o necessity_n and_o with_o the_o wool_n of_o his_o sheep_n he_o clad_v the_o naked_a he_o be_v the_o support_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o traveller_n be_v welcome_a to_o his_o house_n and_o he_o refuse_v nothing_o to_o any_o in_o want_n that_o crave_v his_o help_n beside_o this_o good_a use_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o riches_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o job_n who_o life_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o pattern_n to_o a_o christian_a to_o dispose_v his_o heart_n to_o charity_n he_o must_v likewise_o to_o attain_v this_o virtue_n have_v frequent_a communication_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n it_o be_v chief_o from_o prayer_n these_o light_n take_v birth_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a spring_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o same_o sigh_n that_o form_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n form_n there_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n the_o inward_a voice_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o voice_n say_v st._n augustine_n which_o express_v itself_o by_o the_o sigh_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o enkindle_v in_o we_o the_o fervour_n of_o this_o virtue_n for_o charity_n become_v cold_a when_o the_o heart_n become_v silent_a say_v this_o great_a saint_n thus_o one_o can_v be_v charitable_a without_o be_v devout_a because_o devotion_n be_v the_o most_o common_a nourishment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n this_o love_n grow_v cold_a by_o the_o distraction_n of_o business_n and_o be_v even_o extinguish_v by_o the_o disquiet_v of_o a_o too_o busy_a life_n in_o effect_n the_o true_a source_n of_o charity_n as_o tertullian_n assure_v we_o be_v renounce_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o indifference_n for_o temporal_a good_n for_o transitory_a good_n weaken_v the_o heart_n by_o the_o confidence_n they_o give_v it_o in_o so_o frail_a a_o support_n as_o be_v that_o of_o riches_n likewise_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o capable_a to_o inflame_v charity_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o a_o fervent_a and_o lively_a faith_n animate_v with_o a_o perfect_a confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o charity_n kindle_v itself_o at_o the_o ardour_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v a_o christian_a act_n like_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o love_v the_o poor_a as_o his_o brother_n in_o fine_a the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n to_o acquire_v this_o virtue_n be_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o practice_v work_n of_o it_o for_o by_o visit_v the_o prisoner_n comfort_v the_o afflict_a help_v the_o necessitous_a instruct_v the_o ignorant_a which_o be_v action_n may_v be_v do_v daily_o and_o even_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v if_o one_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n he_o become_v insensible_o charitable_a and_o attain_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o which_o without_o study_n or_o reason_v pour_v into_o the_o heart_n that_o interior_a unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o teach_v a_o christian_a the_o mean_n to_o become_v charitable_a he_o must_v also_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o become_v so_o be_v show_v his_o obligation_n to_o it_o by_o the_o most_o press_a motive_n chap._n vii_o three_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o excite_v a_o christian_n to_o acquire_v the_o virtue_n of_o charity_n the_o first_o motive_n be_v that_o without_o be_v charitable_a one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n for_o it_o be_v in_o charity_n alone_o consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n nature_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v with_o man_n but_o grace_n oblige_v to_o love_v he_o this_o be_v say_v s._n paul_n the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o morality_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n point_v only_o at_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a perfection_n without_o charity_n say_v the_o apostle_n neither_o faith_n nor_o hope_n nor_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n nor_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o martyrdom_n nor_o any_o other_o virtue_n can_v be_v considerable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v charity_n perfect_v man_n rectify_v his_o reason_n and_o sanctify_v all_o his_o action_n this_o make_v humble_a and_o unmake_n proud_a because_o it_o nourish_v humility_n and_o choke_v pride_n all_o virtue_n become_v unprofitable_a and_o all_o good_a work_v fruitless_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o charitable_a it_o be_v charity_n that_o warm_v the_o faithful_a that_o animate_v his_o hope_n and_o that_o justify_v a_o sinner_n one_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o marriage-chamber_n of_o the_o lamb_n without_o virginity_n but_o not_o without_o charity_n the_o ordinary_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o perseverant_a charity_n may_v sometime_o be_v as_o meritorious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o the_o most_o heroic_a conflict_n of_o the_o martyr_n because_o every_o action_n of_o charity_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o motive_n be_v a_o secret_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o interest_n or_o of_o his_o pleasure_n and_o even_o of_o his_o honour_n for_o one_o can_v in_o effect_n love_v his_o neighbour_n like_o a_o christian_a without_o deprive_v himself_o of_o something_o either_o incommodious_o or_o against_o his_o inclination_n and_o all_o the_o best_a we_o do_v be_v ordinary_o good_a for_o nothing_o but_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o virtue_n it_o be_v only_o through_o charity_n that_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n be_v christian_a this_o ennoble_v the_o mean_a action_n and_o the_o weak_a reason_v become_v strong_a when_o a_o little_a sustain_v by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v for_o god_n that_o render_v they_o considerable_a but_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o charity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v do_v in_o brief_a this_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o pure_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n sanctify_v even_o natural_a defect_n and_o the_o gross_a imperfection_n and_o cover_v that_o multitude_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o man_n be_v subject_a through_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o condition_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v we_o then_o seek_v after_o no_o other_o practice_n of_o devotion_n since_o this_o alone_a contain_v all_o other_o practice_n as_o st._n john_n instruct_v we_o let_v we_o not_o strain_v our_o wit_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o age_n with_o vain_a reason_n in_o quest_n of_o new_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n let_v we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n have_v mark_v out_o to_o we_o let_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o this_o virtue_n he_o most_o recommend_v to_o we_o let_v we_o not_o stifle_v in_o ourselves_o this_o divine_a fire_n whereof_o faith_n kindle_v the_o first_o flame_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o love_v our_o brethren_n sincere_o since_o we_o live_v on_o the_o same_o bread_n and_o have_v all_o the_o same_o hope_n if_o we_o can_v contribute_v our_o good_n towards_o succour_v the_o poor_a at_o least_o let_v we_o sigh_v to_o god_n for_o he_o and_o thereby_o in_o some_o manner_n comfort_v he_o what_o we_o can_v for_o the_o shame_n he_o undergo_v to_o sigh_v so_o often_o to_o man_n implore_v their_o assistance_n in_o fine_a let_v we_o not_o by_o our_o hardheartedness_n dishonour_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o christian_a a_o name_n of_o sweetness_n and_o bounty_n and_o since_o without_o be_v charitable_a one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n let_v we_o be_v charitable_a in_o effect_n not_o to_o be_v only_a christian_n in_o idea_n the_o reciprocal_a need_n man_n have_v of_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o society_n and_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o their_o union_n and_o shall_v not_o charity_n be_v a_o bond_n strong_a enough_o to_o unite_v christian_n by_o the_o
he_o fear_v not_o to_o have_v he_o for_o his_o judge_n who_o he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v for_o his_o brother_n it_o be_v a_o heart_n perfect_o harden_v that_o be_v no_o long_o touch_v with_o any_o apprehension_n of_o fear_n rebel_n under_o the_o rod_n shut_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o check_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o become_v insensible_a of_o the_o motion_n of_o humanity_n it_o be_v the_o most_o rigorous_a pain_n wherewith_o god_n chastise_v the_o rich_a man_n that_o die_v in_o abundance_n and_o leave_v vast_a wealth_n to_o his_o often_o unknown_a heir_n without_o give_v any_o share_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o think_v not_o on_o it_o because_o god_n give_v he_o not_o the_o grace_n he_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n by_o give_v in_o alm_n at_o least_o when_o he_o be_v die_v what_o death_n will_v soon_o snatch_v from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o reflection_n a_o rich_a man_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n abandon_v he_o to_o blindness_n and_o insensibility_n at_o his_o death_n in_o punishment_n of_o his_o hardheartedness_n during_o his_o life_n to_o make_v he_o feel_v all_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o regard_v not_o his_o mercy_n which_o he_o slight_v in_o slight_v the_o poor_a it_o be_v from_o this_o insolent_a contempt_n that_o there_o arise_v so_o many_o disorder_n in_o family_n hence_o come_v the_o ruin_n of_o house_n the_o loss_n the_o public_a defamation_n and_o all_o the_o shameful_a fault_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v to_o fall_v into_o these_o misfortune_n those_o who_o whilst_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v not_o any_o sentiment_n of_o love_n or_o tenderness_n for_o their_o neighbour_n and_o be_v christian_n but_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n or_o character_n of_o a_o christian_n but_o if_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o frighten_v we_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o recompense_n ought_v to_o have_v much_o more_o power_n over_o our_o heart_n to_o touch_v they_o this_o be_v the_o three_o motive_n in_o so_o short_a a_o treatise_n as_o i_o propose_v to_o myself_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o reward_v god_n have_v promi'sd_v to_o charity_n the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o they_o it_o be_v to_o this_o virtue_n god_n have_v promise_v a_o unconcern_v for_o temporal_a good_n firmness_n of_o faith_n purity_n of_o manner_n the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n tenderness_n of_o devotion_n unshakable_a perseverance_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o infallible_a recompense_n of_o salvation_n god_n engage_v himself_o to_o pardon_v every_o thing_n in_o consideration_n of_o charity_n for_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a propitiation_n of_o sin_n one_o alm_n one_o action_n of_o clemency_n the_o pardon_n of_o one_o injury_n one_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v able_a to_o hide_v all_o the_o fault_n that_o humane_a frailty_n can_v make_v we_o commit_v nothing_o purify_v so_o much_o the_o conscience_n nothing_o cleanse_v more_o the_o mind_n than_o alms-deed_n how_o many_o simple_a and_o humble_a person_n have_v render_v themselves_o worthy_a to_o penetrate_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o charity_n it_o be_v a_o sure_a protection_n against_o the_o frailty_n of_o man_n and_o against_o the_o occasion_n of_o offend_a god_n since_o it_o resist_v sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v it_o be_v say_v st._n ambrose_n the_o remedy_n against_o all_o disorder_n man_n be_v subject_a to_o this_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o powerful_a mediator_n to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o continual_o solicit_v this_o severe_a judge_n who_o be_v inflexible_a to_o all_o but_o alms._n this_o poor_a man_n who_o you_o have_v clothe_v this_o sick_a man_n you_o have_v visited_n this_o innocent_a creature_n to_o who_o you_o have_v give_v your_o protection_n and_o this_o afflict_a soul_n who_o you_o have_v comfort_v be_v jesus_n christ_n for_o since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o do_v to_o he_o what_o we_o do_v to_o the_o least_o of_o his_o servant_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n say_v st._n chrysostom_n between_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n if_o then_o the_o poor_a be_v advocate_n to_o god_n if_o their_o intercession_n be_v the_o most_o assure_a assistance_n the_o rich_a can_v expect_v from_o their_o riches_n in_o that_o dreadful_a day_n of_o the_o universal_a judgement_n place_v your_o hope_n in_o this_o treasure_n of_o god_n mercy_n where_o neither_o thief_n nor_o corruption_n can_v have_v access_n nay_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v your_o charity_n which_o will_v draw_v upon_o you_o the_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n in_o your_o temporal_a occasion_n and_o in_o the_o afflict_a tribulation_n whereto_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o condition_n be_v so_o subject_a for_o if_o you_o be_v charitable_a god_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o prophet_n you_o shall_v no_o soon_o open_v your_o mouth_n to_o call_v he_o to_o your_o aid_n than_o he_o will_v answer_v here_o i_o be_o but_o what_o blindness_n be_v it_o in_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o a_o glass_n of_o water_n or_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n give_v to_o a_o poor_a man_n out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o to_o refuse_v it_o he_o with_o what_o face_n can_v he_o beg_v pardon_n of_o god_n daily_o if_o himself_o pardon_v not_o will_v you_o have_v other_o take_v pity_n on_o you_o take_v pity_n on_o other_o do_v you_o crave_v favour_n do_v they_o yourself_o do_v not_o judge_v if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v for_o as_o you_o treat_v your_o neighbour_n yourself_o shall_v also_o be_v treat_v after_o all_o what_o recompense_n can_v move_v a_o christian_n heart_n if_o heaven_n can_v that_o comprehend_v in_o 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day_n to_o be_v reunite_v in_o the_o same_o glory_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o love_v one_o another_o but_o after_o all_o how_o go_v it_o have_v we_o charity_n one_o for_o another_o the_o luxury_n self-interest_n ambition_n and_o general_a irregularity_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o age_n have_v they_o not_o spread_v every_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n and_o what_o judgement_n ought_v one_o to_o make_v of_o the_o christianity_n of_o these_o late_a time_n wherein_o animosity_n jealousy_n law-suit_n quarrel_n envy_n calumny_n repine_n injustice_n and_o revenge_n reign_v with_o so_o much_o heat_n be_v there_o ever_o see_v so_o many_o division_n in_o family_n so_o many_o separation_n in_o marriage_n such_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n among_o relation_n so_o little_a union_n in_o community_n and_o so_o many_o different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n man_n have_v no_o charity_n for_o those_o they_o know_v how_o then_o can_v they_o have_v any_o for_o 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