Love, the Prime Grace

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 9, 1858

Love, the Prime Grace.

The whole duty of a Christian is nothing but love, varied with the several kind acts and degrees of it, and works of mercy are the most natural and genuine offspring of love; so that from these a good man is denominated. The Scriptures therefore, frequently sum up our duty in charity; and for that reason style it the fulfilling of the law, and the bond of perfectness. Indeed, where charity is, (that is, where the blessed fruits of charity, springing from a true principle of divine love are,) there no other Christian grace or perfection can be totally wanting; and where charity is not, there may be the imperfect resemblances of other Christian graces and virtues, but not those graces and virtues themselves; for they cannot be, unless fed and invigorated and animated by a principle of universal charity. So that our Saviour, by professing to examine us on this head, brings the matter to a short issue, a single point, by which our cause may be decided as effectually as by larger inquiries.—Bishop Atterbury.