for I have no regard to the things which are visible, but to such as are invisible: since visible things are temporary, but the invisible are eternal.

(for I regulate my conduct by my future expectations, not by visible enjoyments:

Now faith is the foundation of our hopes of happiness, and the persuasion we have about things not evident to our senses.

if a man says he loves God, and yet hates his brother, he is a lyar: for he that does not love his brother, who is before his eyes, how can he love God who is invisible?

Ye love

trusts thereon shall not be confounded. it will prove an honour to you, who believe; but to the incredulous, the same stone, which is the chief of the angle,

he that loveth father or mother more than me, is unworthy of me: he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is unworthy of me.

for I was prest with hunger, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Jesus said to them, if God were your father, ye would love me: for I was commissioned by God to come; I did not come of my self, but he sent me.

if ye love me, keep my commandments.

So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me more than these do? yes, Lord, said he, you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my lambs.

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accurst.

to this I am urg'd by the love I bear to Christ, persuaded as I am, that if one died for all, then were all in a dying state: and that he died for all,

for in the christian-dispensation, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but an active benevolent faith.

grace be with all those that have love uncorrupted for our Lord Jesus Christ. amen.

let us love him; since he first loved us.

Believing

This it is that fills you with joy, notwithstanding the various tryals, which still necessarily afflict you,

then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God.

for the gospel dispensation does not consist in meats and drinks, but in piety and peace, and spiritual joy.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the holy spirit.

which consideration persuades me that I shall abide, and even continue some time with you all, to improve your advancement in the faith, and to promote your joy:

for we are the genuine sons of Abraham, who worship God in the spiritual manner, and value no other dependance than that on Jesus Christ, without confiding in any external advantages:

Rejoice in the Lord alway: I say it again, rejoice.

Unspeakable

so you are afflicted at present: but I will see you again, and then shall your hearts be affected with joy, and your joy shall no one wrest from you.

thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

this I know, that he was snatch'd up into paradise, and heard such secrets as it is not lawful for a man to reveal.

Full

that when the sovereign pastor shall appear, you may carry off a glorious crown, that will never fade.

and mark'd me with his seal, and given me the earnest of the spirit in my heart.

but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, sweetness of disposition, beneficence, faithfulness, meekness, temperance:

by whom you also have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: and having believed in him, ye were mark'd with the seal of the holy spirit, which was promised:

General references

Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord,

if ye love me, keep my commandments.

(for I regulate my conduct by my future expectations, not by visible enjoyments: