320 The Foundation of S E R Al. them, and every aggravating circumftanCe XIII. which atendeth our offences. On the other 1--v"--1 hand, if our hearts do not condemn, but acquit us, then we have confidence towards God ; we may enjoy inward ferenity, and can look to the fuperior divine tribunal without terror ; we are perfuaded that the fervices we now perform are acceptable to him, which feemeth to be the apoftle's immediate defign, for he addeth, ver. 22. and whatever we aß, we receive of him, becaufe we keep his commandments, and do the things that are pleating to him ; not that he will grant us every thing we defire, which may not be heft for us; but that he will accept our dutiful addreffes, and bellow thofe bleffings, which his infinite wifdom feeth fitteft for us ; and upon the fame foun- dation, we fhall have boldnefs in the day of judgment, as this facred writer elfewhere fpeaketh, we (hall not be afraid of Chrift's coming, in the glory of his Father, to pro- nounce the Taft decifive fentence, which (hall finally determine the condition of every man. It is true, the preceding context re- lateth particularly to charity, which St. John, after the example of his great mafter, earneftly recommendeth in all his writings; he layeth a mighty ftrefs on the love of the brethren ;
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=