Robert Traill (The Lord's Prayer, John 17:24), Works 2:93-94:
That is the best worship, and the most acceptable obedience, that is performed from love to Christ. This love constrained Paul, 2 Cor. 5:14, unto his excellent living to Christ. That working and running that only the spur of the law in men’s consciences constrains some unto, is of no account in the sight of God. Faith in Christ raiseth love to Christ; and faith and love enlivens to all holy obedience and spiritual worship. Then the Christian reads and hears the word of Christ, because he loves to hear his voice. He prays; for he loves to speak, and to pour out his heart to his best friend. He sits down at the Lord’s table, because he loves to see, and draw virtue from his slain Saviour. He hates evil, because he loves the Lord, Ps. 97:10. He keeps Christ’s commandments, because he loves the commander, John 14:15. Sirs, be assured of this, that you are not yet got into the right road of Christianity; you are not yet in that path, wherein you can be hearty and sincere, and wherein you will be constant, and never faint; until you get once into the power of the love of Christ. Then you will be sweetly carried on in all your way, and in his ways.
That is the best worship, and the most acceptable obedience, that is performed from love to Christ. This love constrained Paul, 2 Cor. 5:14, unto his excellent living to Christ. That working and running that only the spur of the law in men’s consciences constrains some unto, is of no account in the sight of God. Faith in Christ raiseth love to Christ; and faith and love enlivens to all holy obedience and spiritual worship. Then the Christian reads and hears the word of Christ, because he loves to hear his voice. He prays; for he loves to speak, and to pour out his heart to his best friend. He sits down at the Lord’s table, because he loves to see, and draw virtue from his slain Saviour. He hates evil, because he loves the Lord, Ps. 97:10. He keeps Christ’s commandments, because he loves the commander, John 14:15. Sirs, be assured of this, that you are not yet got into the right road of Christianity; you are not yet in that path, wherein you can be hearty and sincere, and wherein you will be constant, and never faint; until you get once into the power of the love of Christ. Then you will be sweetly carried on in all your way, and in his ways.
