Here is the Christian's grand RULE of action, the commandments of his dear Saviour. Jesus commands us because He loves us; because He desires our present welfare; because He will prove the sincerity of our profession; and because He approves of the obedience of faith.
He commands us to imitate Himself; He is our great pattern and example; and we should endeavour to imitate Him in His Spirit, and design, and actions. He commands us to believe Him, profess Him, obey Him, and continue in His love. Here we have the Christian's grand MOTIVE and spring of action--LOVE. Spiritual love is always loyal to the King of Zion; jealous for the glory of the Lord of Hosts; and determined in the cause of the Prince of peace. The obedience of love is easy--hearty--and thorough.
Love is the strongest incentive to obedience; it conquers fear--furnishes with zeal--equips with courage--devises the means--surmounts difficulties--and triumphs over opposition. Let us inquire from what does our obedience spring? By what is it regulated? Is our motive and rule, holy love?
Love is the fountain whence All true obedience flows; The Christian serves the God he loves, And loves the God he knows : May love o'er every power preside, And every thought and action guide.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
Here is the Christian's grand RULE of action, the commandments of his dear Saviour. Jesus commands us because He loves us; because He desires our present welfare; because He will prove the sincerity of our profession; and because He approves of the obedience of faith.
He commands us to imitate Himself; He is our great pattern and example; and we should endeavour to imitate Him in His Spirit, and design, and actions. He commands us to believe Him, profess Him, obey Him, and continue in His love. Here we have the Christian's grand MOTIVE and spring of action--LOVE. Spiritual love is always loyal to the King of Zion; jealous for the glory of the Lord of Hosts; and determined in the cause of the Prince of peace. The obedience of love is easy--hearty--and thorough.
Love is the strongest incentive to obedience; it conquers fear--furnishes with zeal--equips with courage--devises the means--surmounts difficulties--and triumphs over opposition. Let us inquire from what does our obedience spring? By what is it regulated? Is our motive and rule, holy love?
Love is the fountain whence All true obedience flows; The Christian serves the God he loves, And loves the God he knows : May love o'er every power preside, And every thought and action guide.