information upon different subjects, it is not possible tbat all men should have precisely the same views, even of any subject, and much less of all ; but it will induce a mutual forbearance, in reference to things that are dubious and non-essential ; and will form all the variously-constructed members into one har- monious and compact bodyg. And unless it have this effect, it leaves us without any hope of its ultimate and eternal blessings'1.]
It is of great importance, however, to be informed,
II. When that end may be said to be truly and pro- perly attained —
The love here spoken of is not that which exists in the bosom of the natural man ; nor is it that which is engendered by a party-spirit : it is a love formed by the Gospel, through the instrumentality of " a pure heart, and a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." Such is the account given of it in the text ; and it is of importance to observe the order in which these words are introduced. " A pure heart " is first men- tioned, as being the proximate cause of love : in the production of which, "a good conscience" operates as a more remote cause ; whilst its primary cause, which sets the others in motion, is, " an unfeigned faith."
These are the immediate effects of the Gospel —
[The Gospel, bringing home conviction to the soul, creates there " an unfeigned faith," without which no one of its truths can be received aright. The faith that is insincere, like that of Simon Magus1, will soon betray its worthlessness ; nor can it evei prevail for the subjugation of our selfish propensities. But when the Gospel leads us to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ in all his offices, and to look for salvation through him alone, then it will bring with it " a good conscience," purged from all sense of guilt, and filled with a peace that passeth all understanding. Thence will flow a purification of the heart from every thing that is " earthly, sensual, or devilish," and a transformation of the soul into the Divine image. Only let a man so embrace " the promises" as to obtain peace with God, and he will instantly begin to " cleanse himself from all filthiness, both of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in
s Eph. iv. 15, 16. h 1 Cor. xiii. 1—3.
1 Acts viii. 13, 18—20.