Earth's highest evidence of love is, that a man should die for his friends. To heaven belongs the love that brought Christ to die for his enemies. Earth can supply no comparison by which it may be illustrated, and the human soul possesses no powers by which it may be fully appreciated. And certainly it is in the life and death of Jesus that we can best consider that love, and make the nighest approach to its apprehension. How proper that the Deity should desire this love to be reciprocated.
Every emotion loves to reproduce itself, and to find a kindred sympathy in the bosom of another.
It is thus extended, exalted, and perfected in those of corresponding susceptibilities, and attains its legitimate objects. Poor, indeed, must be his offering of a heart debased by the world and Satan, when all its purest and noblest feelings of undivided affection would bear no proportion to the love of God. But it is the nature of love never to be mercenary. It seeks not compensation, it requires not equal measure, it demands not more than can be given. And when he loves the Lord with all his heart, and mind, and soul, and strength, he renders the least return that may be offered, and the greatest that can be demanded.