Sermons preached

3. Observation is this, That this Rule is Spiritual, and concerneth the inward Man as well as the outward: not only Actions, Words, and Practises (though it be said, whatsoever Men do unto you) but the Thoughts. The whole Law of God is Spiritual. Psal. 19. 7. The Law of God is perfect, converting the Soul; not only guides the Motions of the outward Man, but reacheth to the workings of the Heart. As is the first Table, so is the second: for we are told, Mat. 22. 39. The second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self. How like to it? 'Tis as Spiritual as the first; and therefore not only what I do, but what I would think and purpose to do to others, is comprehended in it. Christ therefore speaks of Adultery committed in the Heart, by impure and wanton thoughts and desires. This Rule which concerns the whole second Table, not only concerns the Actions, but your Dispositions, and Inclinations; and not only provides against hard Speeches, and outward Behaviour, but the secret grudgings in your Hearts against others, that your Affections may not be alienated from them. For mark, what is here; What ye would Men should do to you, do the same to ⟨p. 352⟩them. In other places it is, Love thy Neighbour as thy self, Gal. 5. 14. So that all the Duties, and Practices which concern the good of our Neighbour, must proceed from a Principle of Love. The Justice of the second Table, as required of Christians, is a Justice tempered and excited by Love. Though our outward Acts be never so pleasant, yet if Love be not at the bottom of it, it is not right. As 1 Cor. 13. 3. If I give all my Goods to the Poor, and have not Charity it signifieth nothing. You will think that's excessive Charity, to give all my Goods: Yea, but if it be not done with Love, it's nothing worth, not accepted, nor rewarded by God. And so we must refer these Words not only to the outward Man, but the Principle of Love which is in the Heart.

3. Observation is this, That this Rule is Spiritual, and concerneth the inward Man as well as the outward: not only Actions, Words, and Practises (though it be said, whatsoever Men do unto you) but the Thoughts. The whole Law of God is Spiritual.