Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

In the former Verse the Apostle argues from the reality of the Effect, as an Evidence of the Cause. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Saviour of the World, foretold by the Prophets, and expresses the Truth of that Faith in a suitable Conversation, is born of God; and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him. Grace is not less powerful in producing tender reciprocal Affections between the Off-spring of the same Heavenly Father, than the subordinate Endearments of Nature. The Pretence is vain of Love to God, without loving his regenerate Children. And in the Text he argues from the knowledge of the Cause, to the discovering of the sincerity of the Effect: By this we know that we love the Children of God, with a holy Affection, if we love God, and keep his Commandments.

In the former Verse the Apostle argues from the reality of the Effect, as an Evidence of the Cause. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Saviour of the World, foretold by the Prophets, and expresses the Truth of that Faith in a sutable Conversation, is born of God; and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him. Grace is not less powerful in producing tender reciprocal Affections between the Off-spring of the same Heavenly Father, than the subordinate Endearments of Nature. The Pretence is vain of Love to God, without loving his regenerate Children. And in the Text he argues from the knowledg of the Cause, to the discovering of the sincerity of the Effect: By this we know that we love the Children of God, with a holy Affection, if we love God, and keep his Commandments.

There is but one Difficulty to be removed, that the Force of the Apostle's reasoning may appear; 'tis this, a Medium to prove a thing must be a clearer Evidence than what is concluded by it: Now tho a Demonstration from the Cause be more noble and scientifical, yet that which is drawn from the Effect, is more near to Sense, and more discernible. And this is verified in the Instance before us; for the Love of God, who is absolutely spiritual in his Being and Excellencies, doth not with that sensible Fervour affect and passionately transport us, as Love to his Children, with whom we visibly converse, and who are receptive of the most sensible Testimonies of our Affection. Accordingly the Apostle argues, He that loves not his Brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? As the Motives to love our Brethren, from our Conjunction in