The love of God shed abroad
A third scriptural mark of those who are born of God, and the greatest of all, is love. Even the love of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to them (Romans 5:5). Because they are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts (Galatians 4:6), crying, "Abba, Father."
By this Spirit, continually looking up to God as their reconciled and loving Father, they cry to him for their daily bread (Matthew 6:11), for all things needful, whether for their souls or their bodies. They continually pour out their hearts before him, knowing that they have the petitions which they ask of him (1 John 5:15). Their delight is in him. He is the joy of their heart, their shield, and their exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1). The desire of their soul is toward him (Isaiah 26:8). It is their meat and drink to do his will (John 4:34). And they are satisfied as with marrow and fatness (Psalm 63:5), while their mouth praises him with joyful lips.
1771 text
III. 1. A third scriptural mark of those who are born of God, and the greatest of all, is love: even the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto them. Because they are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying Abba, Father! by this Spirit, continually looking up to God, as their reconciled and loving Father, they cry to him for their daily bread, for all things needful whether for their souls or bodies. They continually pour out their hearts before him, knowing they have the petitions which they ask of him. Their delight is in him. He is the joy of their heart; their shield, and their exceeding great reward. The desire of their soul is toward Him: it is their meat and drink to do his will: And they are satisfied as with marrow and fatness, while their mouth praiseth him with joyful lips.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 18 in the 1771 Works. John 3:8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.