In this collection of writings from four different Puritan authors, the Christian duty of love for one’s fellow man is addressed. Ralph Venning speaks of the commandment of Christ to love your neighbor as yourself. Thomas Manton teaches us that the command to “Love One Another” is a duty given by God. Joseph Caryl deals with “The Nature and Principles of Love as the End of the Commandment.” Finally, John Ball speaks concerning the nature, motives, and the marks of love.

Author  Ralph Venning was born in Devonshire about 1621. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1646 and 1650. He lectured at St. Olave Jewry in Southwark until he was ejected along with 2000 other Puritans by the Act of Uniformity in 1662. He died in 1674 and was buried at Bunhill Fields, the non-conformists' burial ground.Thomas Manton was born in 1620 in Somerset and graduated from Wadham College, Oxford in 1639. Both his father and grandfather were ministers. He succeeded Obadiah Sedgwick at St. Paul's Covent Garden. Manton died in 1677.Joseph Caryl is best known for preaching on Job for 25 years. He was born in London in 1602 he graduated from Exeter College, Oxford, and preached at Lincoln's Inn. After being ejected in 1662, he gathered a congregation by London Bridge. He died February 7, 1673. After his death, his church chose John Owen as his successor.John Ball was born in 1585 and was educated at Brazenose COllege, Oxford. Ball was thoroughly learned in the controversies of his day, particularly those concerning Bellarmine and the papists, the Arminians, and the issue of non-conformity. He ministered at Whitmore in Staffordshire, and died in 1640.