loosing reins to sin more freely, for
it unquestionably disturbs the soul's peace, and procures it much
bitterness. And again, the quitting hold of the promise of grace in Christ
Jesus, and the indulging our own sad and sullen apprehensions, cannot but
in the issue disable the soul from the duties of love, and expose it unto
the violence of every temptation. As these two do mutually strengthen one
another, the faith of Jesus Christ, and the lively apprehension of his
grace and goodness, so they are the most noble and effectual persuasives
to live unto him, and to walk in love. Besides, faith is the mean and way
which God hath appointed to convoy his influence unto the soul; and then
again, love carrying itself actively in duties to God and men, bestirring
itself for God and those who are beloved of God, it brings in a supply to
faith, and returns by a straight compass to the spring from whence it
first issued, and increases it still more. Believing on the name of the
Son sends forth the stream of holy affection to him, and all begotten of
the Father, and this returns again by the circuit of obedience to his
commands and submission to his easy yoke, to unbosom itself in the
fountain from whence it first issued; and whereas faith was at first one
simple soul adherence to a Saviour, and a hearty embracing of him, this
accession of the fruits of it exalts it unto that height of assurance, and
gives that evidence which it wanted; and faith being thus strengthened,
and rooted, and built up to the top of assurance of God's grace, love, and
salvation, it becomes more able to bear the yoke of his commands, which
are not grievous. The spring of believing, thus swelled by the concurrence
of so many streams, it breaks forth the more, and sends out more love and
delight in God, and more charity, compassion, and meekness towards men.
And this is the circle and round Christianity runs, until that day come
that the head-spring of faith shall be obscured and shrivelled up in the
great sea of the love of God, which shall overflow all the saints' graces
in due time, when we shall see God face to face.

This is a true Christian, which this apostle so beloved of God describes.
Here is one under a commandment, and not above it, as some fondly
conceive. He is a keeper of his commands, and a doer of these things which
are pleasant in God's sight. This is no legal notion, if it be right
taken.

It is not the bondage of the creature to be under