The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; or Good News for the Vilest of Men by John Bunyan 1689

But, I say, let ministers follow the steps of their blessed Lord, who by
word and deed shewed his love to the salvation of the world, in such a
carriage as declared him to prefer their salvation before his own private
concern, For we are commanded to follow his steps, “who did no sin,
neither was guile found in his mouth.”
And as I have said concerning ministers, so I say to all the brethren,
carry it so, that all the world may see, that indeed you are the sons of
love.
Love your Savior; yea, shew one to another that you love him, not only
by a seeming love of affection, but with the love of duty. Practical love
is best. Many love Christ with nothing but the lick of the tongue. Alas!
Christ Jesus the Lord must not be put off thus: “He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them,” saith he, “he it is that loveth me;”
John xiv. 21.
Practical love, which stands in self-denial, in charity to my neighbor,
and a patient enduring of affliction for his name; this is counted love.
Right love to Christ is that which carries in it a provoking argument to
others of the brethren; Heb. x. 24.
Should a man ask me how he should know that he loveth the children
of God? The best answer I could give him, would be in the words of the
Apostle John; “By this,” saith he, “we know we love the children of God,
when we love God, and keep his commandments;” 1 John, v. 2.
Love to God and Christ is then shewn when we are tender of his name;
and then we shew ourselves tender of his name when we are afraid to
break any the least of his commandments. And when we are here, then
do we shew our love to our brother also.
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