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The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of GodWilliam Gouge, 1619

§. 3. The Apostles affection.

pp. 3–610 passages

Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.

:121p. 3

§. 3. The Apostles affection.

:122p. 3–4

TO urge this point yet somewhat the more forcibly, the Apostle in the next place manifesteth his affection⟨p. 4⟩ in these words, My brethren, which declare both the humility of his mind, and the gentleness of his spirit.

TO vrge this point yet somewhat the more forcibly, the Apostle in the next place manifesteth his affection⟨p. 4⟩ in these words, My brethren, which declare both the humilitie of his minde, and the gentlenesse of his spirit.

:123p. 4

Brother is a word of equality:¹ in calling them Brethren, he maketh himself equal unto them,² though he himself were one of the principal members of Christs body, one of the eyes thereof, a Minister of the Word, an extraordinary Minister, an Apostle, a spiritual Father of many souls, a planter of many famous Churches, yea the planter of this Church at Ephesus: and though many of them to whom he wrote, were poor mean men, handicrafts men, such as^a laboured with their hands for their living: and many also^b servants, and bond-men; yet without exception of any, he termeth and counteth them all his brethren, and so^c maketh himself equal to them of the lower sort. Behold his humility: For if to affect titles of superiority, as Rabbi, Doctor, Father, be a note of arrogance (as it is,

:125p. 4–5

Use Take my Brethren the Prophets, take the Apostles, yea take Christ himself for an example of humility.¹ For Christ, though he were Lord of all, yet for as much as^h he took part with us, and so all were of one, he was not ashamed to call us Brethren. Who then can disdain to call any Saint Brother? This point of humility and meekness⟨p. 5⟩ Christ willeth us after an especial manner toⁱ learn of him. It is a grace which will highly grace us before God and man. It maketh us amiable in Gods eyes, who^k Giveth grace to the lowly: and it maketh our company very acceptable to men. An humble minded man who maketh himself equal to them of the lower sort, & accounteth all his brethren, will be sociable and willing to converse with any for their mutual good. But proud and ambitious spirits are full of scorn and disdain, so as men cannot well endure their company, and^l God will resist them. Wherefore, to conclude this point, whatsoever your parts of nature, or gifts of Gods Spirit be, whatsoever your place or calling be, whatsoever excellency or eminency you have above others, remember that all Saints have one Father, all are of one body, all are one in Christ, therefore all account one another Brethren. Let Magistrates, Ministers, and all of all sorts apply this.

Vse Take my Brethren the Prophets, take the Apostles, yea take Christ himselfe for an example of humilitie.¹ For Christ, though he were Lord of all, yet for as much as^h he tooke part with vs, and so all were of one, hee was not ashamed to call vs Brethren. Who then can disdaine to call any Saint Brother? This point of humilitie and meekenesse⟨p. 5⟩ Christ willeth vs after an especiall manner toⁱ learne of him. It is a grace which will highly grace vs before God and man. It maketh vs amiable in Gods eyes, who^k Giueth grace to the lowly: and it maketh our company very acceptable to men. An humble minded man who maketh himselfe equall to them of the lower sort, & accounteth all his brethren, will be sociable and willing to conuerse with any for their mutual good. But proud and ambitious spirits are full of scorne and disdaine, so as men cannot well endure their company, and^l God will resist them. Wherefore, to conclude this point, whatsoeuer your parts of nature, or gifts of Gods Spirit be, whatsoeuer your place or calling bee, whatsoeuer excellencie or eminencie you haue aboue others, remember that all Saints haue one Father, all are of one body, all are one in Christ, therefore all account one another Brethren. Let Magi strates, Ministers, and all of all sorts apply this.

1Account all Brethren.
hHeb. 2. 11, 14.
iMatth. 11. 29▪
kProu. 3. 34.
l1 Pet. 5. 5.