,- In opposition to such erroneous notions, our Lord enjoined, in the most authoritative manner, the love of enemies —
[He takes for granted, that his faithful disciples would be " hated, reviled, and persecuted :" and under all the evil treat- ment which they may receive, he commands them to return kind zvords for bitter, benevoIe?it actions for spiteful, and ferve?it prayers for the most cruel oppressions. Not that this was any neiv precept: it was enjoined under the law as strongly as under the Gospel'^; and was exemplified too under the legal dispensation, in almost as eminent a degree as even by the Apostles themselves'. There is this difference, indeed, that the exercise of such heavenly tempers was less frequent among the Jews, because few of them comparatively attained to any high degrees of piety : whereas, now that " the Spirit is poured out more abundantly" upon the Church, this is a common attainment, or rather, I should say, an universal attainment, amongst all who are truly converted unto God. Our blessed Lord set us the example, " going as a lamb to the slaughter, and, as a sheep before her shearers, not opening his mouth," either in threatenings or complain ts'^'. Even in tiie agonies of crucifixion he prayed for his murderers^, as Stephen also did in his dying moments™, and thousands of others also have done amidst the flames of martyrdom. This is our duty, even in such extreme cases as are here supposed ; and consequently must be so in all cases of inferior moment.]
However difficult this duty may appear, we shall address ourselves cheerfully to the performance of it, if only we consider, IL The reasons for performing it —
The Lord's people are represented by the Apostle as "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that they should shew forth the praises (or virtues) of him that hath called them"." But how are they to answer this great end of their calling? It is very principally by attending to this duty. By their performance of it they are to mark,
\. Their resemblance to God — [The whole race of mankind, with comparatively few ex- ceptions, is up in arms against God. A very great proportion
^ Compare Rom. xii. 20, 21. with Prov. xxv. 21, 22.
i 2 Chron. xxviii. 15. Ps. xxxv. 12 — 14.
k Isai. liii. 7. with 1 Pet. ii. 21—23. ^ Luke xxiii. 34.
m Acts vii. 60. "1 Pet. ii. 9.