Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love,
&c.] This is one branch of that love, before advised to,
which should be unfeigned, and without guile and deceit. The
objects of this grace are "brethren", not in such sense as all
the descendants of Adam are, or men of the same country be, or as
such who are born of the same parents in a natural sense are; to
each of whom love is due under their respective characters and
relations: but such who are so in a spiritual sense, who are born
of God, are of his household, belong to his family, are the
brethren of Christ, and one another; and are either members of
the same church, incorporated together in the same church state,
or at least members of Christ, and of the church universal. Now
love to these should be kind, tender, and affectionate,
reciprocal and mutual; such should love one another; there should
be no love wanting on either side; and it ought to be universal,
and reach to all the saints, though of different gifts, light,
knowledge and experience, or whether high or low, rich or poor;
and should show itself by bearing one another's burdens, bearing
with, and forbearing each other, forgiving one another, and by
edifying one another in their most holy faith, and praying with,
and for one another.
In honour preferring one another;
saints should think honourably of one another, and entertain an
honourable esteem of each other; yea, should esteem each other
better thou themselves; and not indulge evil surmises, and
groundless jealousies of one another, which is contrary to that
love that thinks no evil. They should speak honourably of each
other in Christian company, and discourage that evil practice of
whisperings, backbitings, and innuendos; they should treat each
other with honour and respect in their common conversation, and
especially when met together as a church of Christ. They should
go before each other in giving honour, and showing respect, as
the word (prohgoumenov) ,
signifies: they should set each other an example; and which also
may be taken into the sense of the word, should prevent one
another, not waiting until respect is shown on one side to return
it again. Nor does this rule at all break in upon that order that
should subsist, and be maintained in bodies civil and
ecclesiastical, which requires superior honour to be given to
persons according to their character, office, and station in
which they are.