antly I love you, the less I be loved." 2 Cor. xii., 15. This want of Divine charity is a very sad and general evil amongst us Christians in these worst of times: and I have observed, that even amongst them that hope for heaven, the major part go no farther in their love than only to desire pardon and salvation, without seeking to make any returns suitable to those undeserved and incomprehensible mercies. Against so much. stupidity and ingratitude I have opposed the following Treatise of Divine Love, or the Love of JESUS, which I hope will help to reinkindle, or at least stir up the holy fire in some Christian souls, by the argument itself, if by no other means. Whilst my reader fixeth his mind on this most excellent and delightful subject, his own thoughts will improve my considerations, and many better may be suggested to him. And if any ways I can occasion his spiritual advantage, and the glory of my Blessed LORD, I have attained my aim. And now have no more to say by way of Preface, but that if I have been so unhappy as to write anything contrary to the Doctrine of the Church, I disown and retract it before hand, and would blot it out with my blood: as for particular persons who may find fault with anything therein, I desire them to pass it by. It matters not much if they like not every passage and expression; if they do but follow what they judge to be good, and approve my design, and love JESUS with all their hearts, it will be enough for their profit and my satisfaction. "He that loveth not knoweth not GOD, for GOD is Love." 1 John iv., 8. L. B. 45 XXVI. Of a sincere Amendment which must be wrought by proper means............ 107 XXVII. Love the best Instrument of Self-Reform- Page XXIX. That Severities and Mortifications well regulated are subservient to Repentance, A short Meditation for Penitential Days.. 127 That Repentance must look forward to the securing our Duty for the time to come; |