John
Owen on Brotherly Love
From
"Necessity of Holiness from the
Consideration of the Nature of God'"
Dr
Owen was a renowned Puritan minister of the Independent (Congregational)
persuasion, whose profound and edifying works are published by The Banner of
Truth Trust. C. H. Spurgeon in the 19th century said of John Owen, “It is
unnecessary to say that he is the prince of divines. To master his works is
to be a profound theologian.” He was born in 1616, in Stadham,
Oxfordshire,
England, and he died 1683 in London.
If
we, therefore, design to be holy, let us constantly, in our families,
towards our relations, in churches, in our conversation in the world, and
dealings with all men; towards our enemies and persecutors, the worst of
them, so far as they are ours only; towards all mankind as we have
opportunity, –
labour after conformity unto God, and to express our likeness unto him, in
this philanthropy, goodness, benignity, condescension, readiness to forgive,
to help and relieve; without which we neither are nor can be the children of
our Father which is in heaven.
Especially
is this frame of heart, and actings suitable thereunto, required of us with
respect unto the saints of God, unto believers. Even God himself, whom we
are bound to imitate, and a conformity unto whom we are pressing after, doth
exercise his benignity and kindness in a peculiar manner towards them: 1
Timothy 4:10, “He is the saviour of all men,” but “specially of those
that believe.” There is a speciality in the exercise of his saving
goodness towards believers. And in answer hereunto, we are likewise
commanded to “do good unto all men,” but “especially unto them who are
of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:10. Although we are obliged to the
exercise of the goodness before described unto all men whatever, as we have
opportunity, yet we are allowed, yea, we are enjoined, a peculiar regard
herein unto the household of faith. And if this were more in exercise, if we
esteemed ourselves (notwithstanding the provocations and exasperations which
we meet withal, or suppose we do so, when perhaps none are given us or
intended us) obliged to express this benignity, kindness, goodness,
forbearance, and love towards all believers in an especial manner, it would
prevent or remove many of those scandalous offences and animosities that are
among us. If in common we do love them that love us, and do good to them
that do good to us, and delight in them who are of our company and go the
same way with us, it may advance us in the condition of Pharisees and
publicans, for they did so also. But if among believers we will take this
course, love them only, delight in them only, be open and free in all
effects of genuine kindness towards them who go our way, or are of our
party, or are kind and friendly to us, or that never gave us provocations
really nor in our own surmises, we are so far and therein worse than either
Pharisees or publicans. We are to endeavour conformity and likeness unto
God, not only as he is the God of nature, and is good unto all the works of
his hands, but as he is our heavenly Father, and is good, kind, benign,
merciful, in an especial manner, unto the whole family of his children,
however differenced among themselves, or indeed unkind or provoking unto
him. I confess, when I see men apt to retain a sense of old provocations and
differences; ready to receive impressions of new ones, or ready for
apprehensions of such, where there are none; incredulous of the sincerity of
others who profess a readiness for love and peace; to take things in the
worst sense; to be morose and severe towards this or that sort of believers,
unready to help them, scarce desiring their prosperity, or it may be their
safety, –
I cannot but look upon it as a very great stain to their
profession, whatever else it be: and by this rule would I have my own
ways examined.
