Sermons preached

2. The most remarkable Thing that is visible in the Progress and Perfection of our Salvation by Christ, is Love. And it is meet, that the Beginning, Middle, and End should suit. Nay, if Love be so conspicuous in the whole Design and Carrying on of this blessed Work, it is much more in the Rise and Fountain. God's great End in our Redemption was the Demonstration of his Love and Mercy to Mankind; yea not only the Demonstration, but the Commendation of it. That is the Apostle's word, Rom. 5. 8. God commendeth his Love to us, in that while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us. A thing may be demonstrated as real, that is not commended or set forth as great. God's Design was that we should not only believe the Reality, but admire the Greatness of his Love. Now from first to last Love is so conspicuous, that we cannot overlook it. Light is not more conspicuous in the Sun, than the Love of God in our Redemption by Christ.

3. If there were any other Cause, it must be either the Merit of Christ, or some Worthiness on our part.

(1.) The Merit of Christ was not the first Cause of God's Love, but the Manifestation, Fruit, and Effect of it. The Text telleth, he first loved the World, and then gave his only begotten Son. It is said, 1 Joh. 3. 16. Hereby perceive we the Love of God, because he laid down his Life for us. Look as we perceive and find out Causes by their proper Effects, so we perceive the Love of God by the Death of Christ. Christ is the principal Means whereby God carrieth on the Purposes of his Grace, and therefore is represented in Scripture as the Servant of his Decrees.