Inference 3.
What a choice pattern of love to the Saints,* 1.1 have we here before us! calling all that are in Christ, to an imitation of him. E∣ven to give our selves up to their service, as Christ did. Not in the same kind, so none can give himself for them; but as we are capable. You see here how his Heart was affected to them, that he would sanctifie himself as a Sacrifice for them. See to what a height of duty the Apostle improves this example of Christ, 1 Ioh. 3.16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought also to lay down our lives for the Brethren. Some Christians came up fairly to this pattern, in the Primitive times. Priscila and Aquila, laid down their Necks for Paul, Rom. 16.4. (i. e.) eminently hazarded their lives for him; and even he himself could rejoyce if he were offered up upon the Sacrifice and service of their Faith, Phil. 2.17. And in the next times, what more known, even to the Enemies of Christianity, than their fervent love one to another? Ecce quam mutuò se deli∣gunt, & mori volunt pro alterutris. See how they love one ano∣ther, and are willing to dye one for another.
But alas, that Primitive Spirit is almost lost in this degenerate Age. Instead of laying down life, how few will lay down twelve pence for them. I remember it's the observation of a late Wor∣thy upon, Matth. 95.40. that he is perswaded there is hardly that man to be found this day alive, that fully understands, and ful∣ly believes that Scripture. O did men think what they do for them, is done for Christ himself, it would produce other effects, than are yet visible.