A second generall epistle to all the saints wherein is unfolded the covenant of grace, as its a law in the spirit, of light, liberty, righteousness, holinesse, power and glory : as likewise as it is a law of peace, love and edification : published for the good of those who love peace and holinesse / written by T. Collier.

Chap. XV. Its a Law of Edification.

3. THis law in the spirit its like∣wise a law of edification: it an∣swers that exhortation of the Apostle, Let all things be done to edification: It is this law of grace which seasons the soul with grace, & the words and communi∣cations with salt, that it may minister grace to the hearers; have salt in your selves, and have peace one with ano∣ther. In a word, it delivers soules from earthlinesse, vanity and folly, from carnal and unprofitable discour∣ses; and that word of Christ is made good in them, John 7. 38. He that be∣leeveth in me out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters. And this hee spake of the spirit, that he would give, and this spirit, that he would give, and this spirit giveth several gifts, worketh several operations, but its given to e∣very one to profit withall.

How might this discover then first the fleshlinesse of those who pretend to be Christians, and yet manifest nothing

but flesh; vanity and unprofitablenesse in their discourses and communicati∣tions, full of earth and flesh, but emp∣ty of heavenlinesse and spirit.

2. This discovers the fleshlinesse of those, pretending such Christianity, yet delight in vanity, I had almost said, slight, if not scorne any spiritual or heavenly communication, which tends to edification: and indeed this law of love and edification is much wanting; And therfore my exhortation to al you who have tasted how gracious the Lord is, to waite upon him for a more ful pouring forth of this spirit of peace, love and edification, that so you may declare your selves to be a people of peace and love; that you may become a blessing, a comfort each to other; that the peace and love of God shining in you, and through you, may so conform you to it self, and so gather you up in∣to its owne nature, that you may shine forth as a people possest indeed with love, that is, may be made knowne to al men, that you are indeed the chil∣dren of a heavenly Father, not of this world, being born from above, not of mortal, but of immortal seed, which

shal endure for ever; so shal you be to the praise of the glory of his grace, who hath called you to an immortall crowne, an eternal kingdome and glo∣ry which never shall have an end.