4. The apostle teaches the same, Rom. v.
5, “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Ghost, which is given unto us.” God, whose love this is, is plainly
distinguished from the Holy Ghost, who sheds abroad that love of his; and,
verse 8, he is also distinguished from
the Son, for it is from that love of his that the Son is sent: and
therefore it is the Father of whom the apostle here specially speaketh.
And what is it that he ascribes to him? Even love; which also, verse 8, he commendeth to us, — sets it
forth in such a signal and eminent expression, that we may take notice of
it, and close with him in it. To carry this business to its height, there
is not only most frequent peculiar mention of the love of God, where the
Father is eminently intended, and of the love of the Father expressly, but
he is also called “The God of love,” 2 Cor. xiii.
11, and is said to be “love:” so that whoever will know him,
1 John iv. 8, or dwell in him by
fellowship or communion, verse
16, must do it as he is love.”