9. And while he thus always exercises his love to God, by praying without ceasing, rejoicing evermore and in every thing giving thanks, this commandment is written in his heart, that he who loveth God, love his brother also. And he accordingly loves his neighbour as himself; he loves every man as his own soul. His heart is full of love to all mankind, to every child of _the Father of the Spirits of all flesh_. That a man is not personally known to him, is no bar to his love: no, nor that he is known to be such as he approves not, that he repays hatred for his goodwill. For he _loves his enemies_, yea and the enemies of God: _the evil and the unthankful_. And if it be not in his power to do good to them that hate him, yet he ceases not to pray for them, though they continue to spurn his love, and still _despitefully use him and persecute him_.
10. For he is _pure in heart_. The love of God has purified his heart from all revengeful passions, from envy, malice, and wrath, from every unkind temper or malign affection. It hath cleansed him from pride and haughtiness of spirit, whereof alone cometh contention. And he hath now put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering: so that he _forbears and forgives, if he had a quarrel against any; even as God in Christ hath forgiven him_. And indeed all possible ground for contention, on his part, is utterly cut off. For none can take from him what he desires; seeing he _loves not the world, nor_ any _of the things of the world_; being now _crucified to the world, and the world crucified to him_; being dead to all that is in the world, both to _the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life_. For _all his desire is unto_ God and to the remembrance of his name.
11. Agreeable to this his one desire, is the one design of his life, namely, _not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him_. His one intention at all times and in all things is, not to please himself, but him whom his soul loveth. He has a single eye. And because _his eye is single, his whole body is full of light_. Indeed where the loving eye of the soul is continually fixed upon God, there can be no darkness at all, _but the whole is light; as when the bright shining of a candle doth enlighten the house_. God then reigns alone. All that is in the soul is holiness to the Lord. There is not a motion in his heart, but is according to his will. Every thought that arises points to him, and is in obedience to the law of Christ.
12. And the tree is known by its fruits. For as he loves God, so he keeps his commandments: not only some, or most of them, but all, from the least to the greatest. He is not content to _keep the whole law, and offend in one point_; but has in all points, _a conscience void of offence, towards God and towards man_. Whatever God has forbidden, he avoids; whatever God hath enjoined, he doth; and that whether it be little or great, hard or easy, joyous or grievous to the flesh. _He runs the way of |God|’s commandments_, now he hath set his _heart at liberty_. It is his glory so to do; it is his daily crown of rejoicing, _to do the will of_ God _on earth, as it is done in heaven_; knowing it is the highest privilege of _the angels of_ God, _of those that excel in strength, to fulfil his commandments, and hearken to the voice ♦of his word_.
♦ inserted “of”
13. All the commandments of God he accordingly keeps, and that with all his might. For his obedience is in proportion to his love, the source from whence it flows. And therefore, loving God with all his heart, he serves him with all his strength. He continually presents his soul and body, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; entirely and without reserve devoting himself, all he has, and all he is, to his glory. All the talents he has received, he constantly employs, according to his master’s will; every power and faculty of his soul, every member of his body. Once he _yielded_ them _unto sin_ and the devil, _as instruments of unrighteousness_: but now, _being a live from the dead, he yields_ them all, _as instruments of righteousness unto_ God.
14. By consequence, whatsoever he doth, it is all to the glory of God. In all his employments of every kind, he not only _aims_ at this, (which is implied in having a single eye) but actually _attains_ it. His business and refreshments, as well as his prayers, all serve this great end. Whether he sit in his house or walk by the way, whether he lie down or rise up, he is promoting in all he speaks or does, the one business of his life: whether he put on his apparel, or labour, or eat and drink, or divert himself from too wasting labour, it all tends to advance the glory of God, by peace and good will among men. His one invariable rule is this, _Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the_ Lord Jesus, _giving thanks to God and the Father by him_.