`serf. 9,1o, the Epiftle to the Romans. 52i, impotent, ftrangers , exiles, orphanes, JufTification by Chri4, he rtever anemi- as their worke was fuch as might breed loathfomeneffe to attend ficke and feeble; fo they were to be old' widowes and aged men, who na- turally are fowre and tefty, there- fore needed this precept of cheerefull- nelfe. DIAL oous_VI. Verfes 9i 1 o. Let love be without dillimulation,abhorre that which is evil[, cleave to that which is good. Be affetiionated, &c. TI MOT tt E.Us. %Hat is here performed by Paul ? Coherence V V S e L.Äftef particular duties in refpe& of a gift and a fun&ion in the Church, now he turnes (Into general' duties, and commandeth unto Chrifti- ans, certain general' grates pertaining unto common converfation ; whereun- to he exhorteth them, namely to con- tinue in the praelife of them : for bring believers they already had begun to exercife there venues ; As namely, love, courtefie, diligence, fervency, hope, pa- tience, prayer ,liberality,hoípitality,hu - mility;mutuail affe &ion, and fimplicity forbearing of revenge, and fuch like Godly graces,as ornaníents in one Chri- Rian profe ffion,and fruits ofcharity. Of this love here be in our Cott fundry good precepts ; Firlt, that it be true; withoutdiffembling.Secondly,difcreet, abhorring evil[. Thirdly, firmé in adhe- ring and Ricking to goodneffe.. Fo u rth- ly,univerfall to all the brethren Without partialnef'e. Fiftly, fervent and earnefl without coldneffe.Sixtly,humble with- out ambition. T t: mt.Whert fore cloth he be;in With love? why is this firff named of all other verrues mentioned in thin Chapter? S r L. Becaufe it is the chief gift above other, and foundation of all the refi, Which do fpring out of love, as head - fpring and mother of them all. Before in former Chap. while Paul difcuffed the doétri'ne ofgrace, and entreated of free Six propét- ties and 'ffa &s of charity. Doubt, Solution. Nate this. oiled love,for that it had nothing to do in matter offorgiveneffe of fin, either to merit it , or to receive it : It doth only declare (as a figné) who be juflified and pardoned by faith, But now he giveth exhortation to manners and good.life, he nameth love, as the chief and. ptinci -. pall grace which fwayeth moll in the matters ofa Criflian life and cortverfati- on,being ringleader unro,at:d breeder of the reel : for therefore do men behave themfelves juftly, meekly, peaceably, chaftly, and courteoufly,bccaufe they do love, T a M. By what reafons may it bee proved that charity it a chief gift of the Sfirie ? S a L. Not onely becaufe Paul na- meth it in the firft place, as here and Galat. 5, 22. and for that it is the root of all the refs, as faith is the root of live : but thirdly , becaufe it is the femme of the Law , Ron. t 3, t o. And fourthly, it makes all graces profi- table, which are of no ufe without cha- rity, t Cor. 53. t, 2.. and fiftlÿ, it is the bandofperfe &ion, which knits all Chriftians, and holds all duties toge- ther, as flicks are made fafi by a band. And fixtly, is is the maire badge and cognifance of true Chriflianity, and a certaine note to difeérne atrue Chri- ftian from a counterfeit ; yob. 55. 35. t joh. 3. t4, Laftly, it is perpetual', and remaineth after other gifts, whets Faith and Hope ceafeth ic continues. ICor. 53.i3. T t a. What rife is to lie made of this da- Orine, touching the excellency of love ? S Firf; to enflame our hearts more and more with the love of this (Wily grace, more earnefly to feeke after it, -alai moré heartily to praife God for it. I exhort therefore (as Fagli Col. 3. t 4) that above all things we put on love. . T e Of OIhat quality is that love we are exhorted unto? S r L Such lone as is withònt di,Titnu- a. quaitto lation, that`is; it mull be true, fincere; 0 OSc. from the heart, without fraude, guile, deceit, falle fhewes or Wrinkles. Yy2. Ta?..._. DòOriné: Keafon. zl
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=