§. Sect. 2 Of the profit of charity, in respect of our neigh∣bours.
Secondly, charity is to be imbraced of vs as the most profitable vertue, both to others and our selues. To others, because it maketh vs willing and ready to performe all Christian duties of holinesse and righteousnesse, which we desire of others to be done vnto vs; for it suffereth with all pa∣tience and long-suffering all wrongs and iniuries, and seeketh to gaine them who are thus iniurious, by all duties of loue. It is so kind, that be∣ing prouoked, it seeketh not reuenge, but laboureth to ouercome euill with goodnesse. It enuieth not the prosperity of those that are aboue vs, but cau∣seth vs to reioyce with them in all their happinesse. It is not puffed vp with pride, nor vaunteth it selfe aboue those who are inferiour vnto vs, either in vertues, or in those rewards, with which God in this life crowneth them. It doth not behaue it selfe vnseemely, but obserueth a iust decorum, and a modest and sober course in all conditions. It seeketh not her owne, but ioynt∣ly aduanceth our neighbours good, in many things departing from her owne right, when greater benefit may redound to others; it is not easily prouoked to vniust anger, but beareth with many faults for their better re∣formation, in consideration of humane frailty and infirmity. It thinketh no euill, nor intendeth hurt vnto any, neither is it suspicious to take any thing in the worst part, which may admit of a more fauourable interpretation. It reioyceth not in iniquity, nor sporteth it selfe in other mens falls and infir∣mities, but rather in the sense of humane frailty; it lamenteth their sinnes, and desireth their repentance and reformation, that they may bee saued. And contrariwise it reioyceth, when as they approoue their profession of truth in their practice of righteousnesse. It beareth all things with meekenesse and patience, and reuengeth not iniuries, but leaueth vengeance to God,