The Twenty Seventh of January

GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE --- Romans 5:8-10

"God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." --- Romans 5:8-10.

Here we have much more reason to cry out than Moses, Deuteronomy 33:3. ". . . he (the Lord) loved the people:" but here I must beseech thee too, O Lord, that this infinite gift of thy Son may appear greater to me and greater every day; and that thy love, shining out in his redemption, may go on so to increase in my soul as to diperse all clouds of darkness, unbelief, and hard thoughts of thy goodness.

Whenever this slanderous spirit tries to lift up his head, grant that my faith and love may be quickened and strengthened in such a manner, as heartily to praise thy great love, in spite of all his suggestions; this is the chief desire which I offer unto to thee in all my prayers night and day.

The want of faith and love, I am sensible, is still my greatest want; my soul is like a large empty vessel; but I pray thee to fill it speedily, notwithstanding any opposition that may be made by my unrenewed part.

Come, guilty souls, and flee away,
Like doves, to Jesus' wounds;
This is the welcome gospel-day,
Wherein free grace abounds.

God loved the world, and gave his Son
To drink the cup of wrath;
And Jesus says he'll cast out none
That come to him by faith.