The Blessed Effects of the
Love of God in the Soul.

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans, 5th Chap. 5th Verse.

When he (God) hath mercifully induced sorrow, and disappointment, and vexation; and sickened the heart, in the pursuit of all creature comforts: having thus driven all buyers and sellers out of the temple, a fit habitation is then formed, for Jesus himself to enter in. The heart melts under a deep sense, of its own folly, and ingratitude, towards God, and God's goodness towards him. And full of these impressions, the believer is driven to his knees, in prayer, to confess his vileness and God's mercy. Rom 2:4

His language then is; I have seen an end of all perfection. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth, that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God, is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

These are precious testimonies, of the Spirit's influence, in confirmation of the doctrine of the text. The love of God, is indeed, shed abroad by his power, when all creature affections, are lessened, or removed, to make space, for the full reception of the Redeemer. And in proportion, as this blessed principle prevails, so all others die away. 1John 4:18

You may therefore estimate, your own exact situation of character, in this particular, by this unerring standard. And depend upon it, according to the degree of estimation, in which the Lord Jesus is held by you, such more or less, is the Spirit's operation of this blessed gift in the heart: for your affection can proceed, from no other source. In those happy souls, where this influence is largely extended, there will be no apprehension, no distrust, no deadness to divine things, no anxious solicitude for earthly pursuits, no spirit of bondage, no guilty frames; for perfect love casteth out fear. The Holy Ghost, sheds abroad the love of God, with such fullness, and sovereignty, that it sweeps away as an over powering torrent, all other considerations.

Robert Hawker

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