The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-21

the love state, the manhood stature. This
ne does by contrast, a very effective
method, frequently employed by him and
other Scripture writer's. He sets the con-
dition of one who has not attained over
against the condition Of one who has at
tanned. The former sees through a glass
darkly,. and knows only in part. The lat
ter sees clearly, face to face, and knows
as he is known. Verse 12) Or, translat-
ing this language, love clears the vision
and enables man to see and know spirit
ual things. This is in direct antagonism
with the old adage that Glove is blind"
There can be no doubt that the heart Is
the organ of correct vision. (Rom. X. lOJ
Many a man has applied himself to inves-
legations, ever learning, but never able
to come to a knowledge of the truth, e
Tim iii. - because he was blinded by
the state OF his heart, psalm xiv: l) And
this is the reason that many wise men
have erred and rejected what the simple
but loving disciple has accepted Matt
Xi: 25) Love puts new light on every OBJ
ject, relation, event, circumstance and
opens up the larger world In which God
works for the accomplishment of His
gracious purposes.
RPASSlNG.-Having thus presented
love as essential in the performance OF
praiseworthy deeds, as victorious over the
evil that IS in the world as enduring
when other coveted good fails, as perfect
ing the character, bringing man to matur-
ity and enabling him to see distinctly Paul
attempts one further commentator Of
love, by comparing ii with those two
other experiences with which 1t is most
commonly associated, affirming that ii is
the greatest of the three. Faith fixes
upon the Divine word and assents to its
utterances, assuming an attitude of trust.
Hope fastens on futute rewards, and
waits for them, assuming an attitude of
expectancy. But love regards the Divine
perfections and the image of these in the
creatures, and is drawn out in beneVo-
lent disposition and appropriate action
toward all In faith and hope man Is a
recipient through the mercy and power
OF God. In love he is a dispenser of that
which he has received, becoming God
like. q John iv: - 1T is more blessed
to give than to receive" (Acts Xxx: 80
He who has the streams of life flowing
outward is restored to the Divine ideal
he is the normal and the pattern man.
Wherefore, love surpasses faith and hope.
REFLECTIONS.-Now we know what
the, Christian religion is in it's highest
expression, that which is offered TO every
child of man. Not the mere performance
of certain rites and ceremonies, not the
conformity to rules and regulations (al-
though these nay be so helpful as to be
wei-nigh essential to the attainment of
the desired good, means to an end) but
the love of God and man regulating the
conduct building the character, develop
ing manhood, perfectiEg the powers. Why
should any reject such life? Why should
any prefer to II any temporary early
honor, emolument or pleasure? We also
know what heaven is. Not gorgeous pa
laces of gold and ivory, as we may have
thought in our early years the inspired
pictures only Of glorious abiding place
which Jesus, lis preparing. John xiv: q
A place there will be, doubtless, but
there can be no heaven for him who docs
not love. There, they who are gathered
out of the lands, shall perfectly love God
because He will apear perfectly lovely
and hearts will kindle at the sight ant
glow with perpetual devotion. o blessed
state! o amiabie and excellent grade oi
charityl Who will not hasten to embrace
that which shah lead to endless bliss?