The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-27
TIE Divine LOFE.
It's Length and Breadth and fuiihess'

unto Him that loved US" How great
that love appears when we coh'ras. ~
with all other Lowell His life was one
constant energy in human benefaetiohs'
The life of the Lord was governed so
as to portray that love. and reveai its
nature. its tenderness, power, ana %ea''
He forgets Himself. The worlds beeus
are upon His mind, and though withou'
a place to lay His head, He bends MS
whole nature TO bring mankind reiuse
and rest He taught, healed, viylIied' leo'
delivered defended, and blessed win
,oye so great that IL would be n shep-
herd of all; with love so great tha'
He would gather the world unto MN
for shelter, protection, and care, even DIS
a hen gathereth her brood under her
wings.
The love wherewith He loved us trans
formed the world in His sight. Inc
clamoring multitude that sought HIM OUT
for naught but the loaves, was NOT an
offense unto Him, but in compassion ne
taught them of the living bread Inc
poor were acceptable to Him. Inc manu-
hardened by toll was not too coarse 10
minister as His disciple. He would not
draw the sword against enemies In de-
Tense of Himself. He would suffer rather
than they. What life OF love that was'
Indeed. il was the love OF God-with-us;
divine love; the Father within. Though
it was high, 1t was lowiy. 1t came down
and touched the life OF the sinner, OF the
outcast woman. OF the criminal upon the
cross of the crucifers. 1t went out TO
every human condition as tender, helpful,
sympathizing, forgiving blessing love.
trt. fc
cret Of His influence to-day. He loved
with affections SO thoughtless OF self, so
pure and strong, that He would do alike
for any one and for all. Why His life OF
constant toll, suffering, abuse and hard
ship? Because He had within Him the
Fathers righteous love- arN He would
show its faithfulness and power by its
patience, forbearance and meekness when
forces opposed Him. BY His sufferings.
as well as by His ministry, He revealed
I'm His own life how love can overcome,
for by love He overcame the world in
making the final sacrifice of all IN the
passion of the cross. He suffered 10 show
that love Is greater than all sorrow, that
II can endure all Affections for the object
1t embraces. that it can triumph and rule
over all. How much the world needed
err than others. How hardly we will give
up so small thing as our own petty
notions What a blessing It is that there
Is one life to which we can point and
say There Is the perfect life. 1Not per-
feet because interrupted. but life tempt
ed in all points like as we are, yet with
out sin. Did you ever think what the
world would be II 1t were rot for this
life as a standard a foundation. an ideal,
and a demonstration Of the yirilIty ard
triumphant power Of pure love, Of good
ness and truth In the human will? Were
Il not for the wall Of Christ's life the
oea OF iniquity would swell until the
highest mountain-top Of human !esolu-
ton were submerged, and we would all
perish In evil. But Jesus Christ so loved
the world that He laid down ali Of self,
and won the everlasting victory of per-
ftct seif-sacrificing love. What a ,ife OF
love that was! One constant ministry unto
humanity. The fame never burned out.
but grew brighter and warmer. II was
not that which when trusted Waivers and
fails. Having loved his ou, he to,,oa
them 10 the end" His love began In HIS
chiichood and reached way across His
life, not diminishing, but growing and
gathering, until 1t eliminated In tho
saerihce upon the cross, and greater
love hath no man than this. that he Law
down MS life for his friends How
much there is, therefore. I'm tbesa words
OF the text, Unto Him tina, Ioved ne