Love To Christ Everlasting

I was reading recently and came across the works of Thomas Doolittle. The Directory of Theology says of Doolittle:

 “Thomas Doolittle was born at Kidderminster, Worcestershire. While at the grammar school in Kidderminster, Doolittle heard Richard Baxter preach sermons that were later published as The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (1653). Those addresses led to Doolittle’s conversion in the early 1640s; thereafter, he called Baxter his “father in Christ.”

Shortly after conversion, Doolittle left his occupation as assistant to a county lawyer, who had demanded that he work on the Sabbath. Baxter encouraged Doolittle to enter the ministry. To prepare himself, Doolittle studied at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1653 and a master’s degree in 1656. His tutor was William Moses, who was later ejected from Pembroke. Doolittle quickly earned a reputation as a great preacher.

In 1653, he received Presbyterian ordination but committed himself to St. Alfege, London Wall, a Church of England congregation that he served until he was ejected for Nonconformity in 1662. His ministry there was eminently successful. In 1657, he wrote to Richard Baxter, whom he continued to consult for counsel and theological questions, “God hath given me abundant encouragement in my work, by giving me favor in the hearts and affections of the people…& others in the city” (Oxford DNB, 16:561).”

 One of Doolittle’s writings touched me deeply. Here is an extract from “Love to Christ Everlasting.”  

"Love is the everlasting grace that will continue in use and increase, even when other graces will have ceased. Some graces are particularly suited to our present state of imperfection in this world. At the present time, we live by faith, repent and mourn for sin, live in hope of the glory which will be revealed, and wait until we possess the mansions above. We patiently wait for all the good that is promised to us, but not yet conferred upon us. 

However, in the future faith will be turned into sight, hope into enjoyment, desires into gratification, and waiting into possession. When this happens, we will believe no more, hope no more, desire no more, and wait no more. But even then we will continue in love-- indeed, we will love more than ever, more abundantly, perfectly, and continually, without pause or alteration. We will love eternally. One reason why love is considered the greatest of the three Christian virtues, is that it will last the longest. "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13:13. 

So it is that those who love Christ sincerely here, will love him perfectly hereafter, and be forever blessed in that love."

Grace and Peace!