Jonathan Edwards on Love

In preparing for my sermon on I Corinthians 13, I have begun reading some portions of Edwards’ Charity and Its Fruits.

Here are a few quotes from my reading:

Let a man have what he will, and do what he will, it signifies nothing without charity; which surely implies that charity is the great thing, and that everything which has not charity in some way contained or implied in it, is nothing, and that this charity is the life and soul of all religion, without which all things that wear the name of virtues are empty and vain.

Love to God will dispose a man to honour him, to worship and adore him, and heartily to acknowledge his greatness and glory and dominion.

It is from the breathing of the same Spirit that true Christian love arises, both toward God and man. The Spirit of God is a Spirit of love, and when the former enters the soul, love also enters with it. God is love, and he that has God dwelling in him by his Spirit, will have love dwelling in him also.