A discourse of the saving grace of God

T••y charge their Opposers, for not pressing Moral Duties. If they mean thereby Practical Christianity, there are none in the World press it more. But we are not for a Pagan, but a Christian Morality; and think it not advisable to press external Acts alone, without minding the Principle and Root, from whence all that is truly Christian must spring. We count it absurd and preposterous to look for Fruits where there is no Root, for gracious Acts where Grace is not planted in the Heart. They may deck a May-pole with as many Garlands as they please, and set off a Mast with Flags and Streamers; but they will never thereby make them Fruit-trees. The Lord will condemn those who bring not forth good Fruit; and those also who lead them in a way, where they are never like to be truly fruitful, without better conduct.

T••y charge their Opposers, for not pressing Moral Duties. If they mean thereby Practical Christianity, there are none in the World press it more. But we are not for a Pagan, but a Christian Morality; and think it not adviseable to press external Acts alone, without minding the Principle and Root, from whence all that is truely Christian must spring. We count it absurd and preposterous to look for Fruits where there is no Root, for gracious Acts where Grace is not planted in the Heart. They may deck a May-pole with as many Garlands as they please, and set off a Mast with Flags and Streamers; but they will never thereby make them Fruit-trees. The Lord will condemn those who bring not forth good Fruit; and those also who lead them in a way, where they are never like to be truely fruitfull, without better conduct.

(8.) This stifles Love to God, takes away that which is the Foundation and Ground of a special transcendent Love to him. That which is the rise of our Love to God, is his Love to us, 1 Joh. 4. 19. it is this that kindles our Affection to him, and raises Love into a Flame: But he that believes and considers, that God had no more thoughts of Love for him from Eternity, than he had for those who are under his everlasting Hatred; and that Christ had no more Love for him in the work of Redemption; did Obey, Suffer, Satisfy, Purchase no more or him, than he did for those who were in Hell, when he Suffered; and that the Spirit of Grace does no more for him, in order to his Salvation, than he does for the Vessels of Wrath, fitted for Destruction; will scarce find any thing in the Love of God (on this Consideration) to engage his Soul to a special Love for God: He will be in danger to Love God with no more than a common Love, such as a carnal Man may have; who believes that the Lord loves him no more, than he loves those who are to be tormented for ever with the Devil and his Angels. He will ind a Motive from hence, to hug and love