John 15:12

Followeth, to ver. 18. the second part of the Chapter, wherein Christ singleth out one particular fruit of mutual love, which in this verse he enjoyneth, and presseth from his own example. Compare Chap. 13. 34. Doct. 1. Albeit Christ require that we study an universal obedience, and fruitfulness in all that he hath commanded; Yet it is his will, we be carried most toward these fruits which are most excellent and necessary; for this cause it is, that, having formerly pressed fruitfulnesse in general, he now descends to presse this one particular fruit. See 1 Cor. 12.31 — 2. The true touch-stone of our communion with Christ, and of fruitfulness in the duties of his service, is, the consciencious performance of duties of the second Table; Therefore doth he insist so particularly in this duty of mutual love, as a mean to evidence the reality of their fruitfulness. 3. Of all duties to our neighbour, and, particularly, of one Saint to another, love is the most excellent, as being the summe of the law, the fountain of all other duties, and the mean of making beleevers useful each to other; Therefore, doth he require this in particular, that ye love one another. See 1 Cor. 12.31. with Chap. 13.1, 2, &c. Rom. 13.8. 4. It is a sufficient obligation to mutual love, that Christ hath commanded and enjoyned it, who must be obeyed, whatever our inclinations be; for, saith he, This is my commandment, that ye love one another. 5. Christ love to beleevers is both an obligation unto mutual love, and a pattern of it. And whoever would be sure of his love to them, ought to study mutual love, as a fruit thereof: Therefore, saith he, Love one another, as I have loved you. This will perswade us to love even them who are base, unprofitable, who have wronged us, &c. as he did.