The moderator

But now you will perhaps say, How should I become a constant Quest. follower of that which is good?

To answer this, the Doctrine and Rule of Christ is without all Answ. ¹exception. Whatsoever you would have others to do to you, do you to them also; the meaning is, do you it first unto them, for we are commanded, to consider one another to provoke each other to love and to good works. If I must consider to provoke, then he that is to be provoked to love, hath not yet applied himself unto² the duty, but I am obliged to go before him in the way thereof, and therefore I must express my love to him first, although he hath not done his duty to me. If then I would have another to trust me, it is clear by this rule, that I must first show that I do trust him, but if I show not this, then I provoke him to the contrary, namely, not to trust me. And if but the Law, which the Gentiles by common nature knew, were heeded in this case, it would take away the causes of our differences and jealousies, and teach us to follow that which is good. Quod tibi fieri non vis, alteri nefeceris, What thou wouldest not have done to thy self, do not thou to any. Is it that thou wouldest not have any fear thee, or suspect thee, or arm himself against thee? then do not thou fear and suspect him, or arm thy self against him. Wouldst thou not have all thy faults ripped up, and all advantages taken against thee, to bring thee into discredit, then rip not up the faults of others, and take no advantages against them to discredit them? Wouldst thou not be judged, condemned and disarmed? do not judge, condemn and endeavour to disarm others; For with what judgement thou judgest, ³thou shalt be judged, and with what measure thou dost mete, it shall be measured unto thee again; and if thou wilt disarm others and keep them as captives under thy power, thou must expect⁴ to be disarmed and led captive under the power of others, for God doth render to every one according to his works. Wilt thou then follow that which is good? do not make thy self terrible unto any, because thou wouldest have none to be terrible unto thee; cure thine own distempers, mean well towards others, and as thou hast opportunity, make the power which thou hast in thine hand serviceable unto others for good; for he that hath power to do good to those that are under his power and doth it not, is foolish and weak;