[b]The life of all our graces and comforts
(John Fawcett, "Christ Precious")
"Yes, He is very precious to you who believe!"
1 Peter 2:7
Jesus is the life of all our graces and comforts.
By the knowledge and contemplation of Him, and of
His death in our stead--faith lives, and is strengthened
from day to day. All the springs of repentance are
opened, and flow freely, when the heart is melted by
views of a dying Savior! Love feels the attractive power
of its glorious object, and is kindled into a holy flame.
Sin is mortified. The world is subdued. The hope of
future glory is supported, enlivened, and confirmed,
so as to become sure and steadfast, like an anchor of
the soul. But without Him--whom having not seen, we
love--these graces would wither and die; or, to speak
more properly, they would have no existence.