October 30

PART II.— Psalms 118:14.

BELIEVERS sing the love of Jesus. No subject has been so often celebrated in song as that of intensity of affection. No instance, however, recorded in the pages of history can be compared to the love of Jesus towards our guilty and perishing world. Yes, whether we consider the object of his affection as being totally unworthy of his regard, or whether we consider the sacrifice he made for it, even the shedding of his own precious blood, it is love unparalleled—love which passeth all understanding—love, so great, so high, so deep, so wide, so long, that none can know it but Deity himself. It is not wonderful, then, that this love should be the subject of the admiration and praise of his redeemed people. Then they also sing of his illustrious achievements in the creation, and in ruling our world: in these they have contemplated the greatness of his wisdom, goodness, and power. But in redemption especially, they see all his former works outdone. They sing how he has dignified human nature by his incarnation in our flesh: how he has opened a way to the celestial Zion by the discoveries of his gospel. How he hath embodied all that is virtuous in his holy example; how he hath spoiled the powers of darkness by the power of his cross; how he hath destroyed death, and banished the dread gloom of the grave; how he hath ascended on high, and led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; how he ever liveth, as their exalted advocate and great high priest, to make intercession for them. And they sing of his illustrious reign and the glory of his conquests, and of his magnificent second advent, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe.