DIAL. VIII.
Verses 17, 18, 19, 20. But righteousnesse peace and ioy in the holy Ghost. For whosoeuer in these things serueth Christ is pleasing to God, and approued of men. Let vs then follow &c.
WHat doth this text containe?
First, the condition or parts of Christs kingdom, which consisteth not in meates or in other externall things, bur in things inward and spi∣rituall, (to wit) righteousnesse, peace, and ioy, such as come from the Holy-Ghost and are not carnall, nor can bee lost, verse 17. Secondly, a reason from the effects, thus; In these things we serue Christ and please God, but the king∣dome of God doth stand in seruice of Christ, and pleasing of God; therefore righteousnesse, peace, and ioy, are ne∣cessary to the kingdome, and not meates, verse 18. Third∣ly, a conclusion, that sithence peace is one part of religion and of the kingdome, therefore by all meanes Christians are to imbrace that, and to put away strife about other vn∣necessary things, verse 19. But least wee should thinke that euery kinde of peace should bee followed, hee adioyneth thereunto edification, verse 20. An edifying peace is to be followed, and whatsoeuer belongs to it, as charity, for∣bearing, concord, forgiuing one another, meekenesse, and all other furtherances of peace be diligently to bee sought for. Vnto this edifying peace there is set against it, as op∣posite, destroying contention. Fourthly, an answere vn∣to a secret obiection: But seeing all meates are pure, crea∣ted and granted of God as lawfull to vse, why should it not be good for me to eate of all meates, whatsoeuer be∣come