"By this shall all men know
that ye are my disciples, if ye have love for one to another." John 13:35.
". . . forbearing one another
in love. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
. . . let not the sun go down upon your wrath. And be ye kind one to another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:2, 3, 26, 32.
Humble Christians never affect
singularly, nor pretend to have preference one to another: they rather
study to be of one mind, and strive not about words, lest the general
harmony subsisting between them; and the edification of souls be hindered.
Whoever judges and blames
everything and can never agree in words and notions, or join in devotion
with other experienced Christians is puffed up with self conceit, and in
the way to make a dangerous shipwreck; for pride comes before a fall.
Not diff'rent food, or diff'rent dress,
When weaker Christians we despise,
Let pride and wrath be banish'd hence
Compose the kingdom of the Lord,
But peace, and joy, and righteousness,
Faith, and obedience to his word.
We do the gospel mighty wrong;
For God, the gracious and the wise,
Receives the feeble with the strong.
Meekness and love our souls pursue;
Nor shall our grace give offence
To saints, the Gentiles or the Jew.