Besides these general doctrines, as the larger branches, there sprang
forth several particular doctrines, that did exemplify and farther
explain the truth and efficacy of the general doctrine before observed,
in their lives and examples. As,
I. Communion and loving one another. This is a noted mark in the mouths
of all sorts of people concerning them: they will meet, they will help
and stick one to another: whence it is common to hear some say, "Look how
the Quakers love and take care of one another." Others, less moderate,
will say, "The Quakers love none but themselves:" and if loving one
another, and having an intimate communion in religion, and constant care
to meet to worship God, and help one another, be any mark of primitive
Christianity, they had it, blessed be the Lord, in an ample manner.
II. To love enemies. This they both taught and practised. For they did
not only refuse to be revenged for injuries done them, and condemned it
as of an unchristian spirit; but they did freely forgive, yea, help and
relieve those that had been cruel to them, when it was in their power to
have been even with them: of which many and singular instances might be
given: endeavouring, through faith and patience, to overcome all
injustice and oppression, and preaching this doctrine as Christian, for
others to follow.
Pages:
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40