and God himself (I speak it with reverence) would cease to be an object worthy of our esteem. But these things, I say, cannot be ; and therefore cannot be, because " God is love."]
Let us then learn, from this exalted subject,
1. What should be the disposition of our minds towards God —
[Is he love ; and that too in all his diversified perfections, and in all his mysterious dispensations ? Surely then we should love him, and see nothing but love in all his ways. No commandment of his should ever be accounted grievous ; but we should fly, like the angels themselves, to obey the very first intimation of his will. As for any difficulties or dangers that may lie in our way, they should only be regarded as opportunities afforded us to shew our love to God, and our zeal in his service. When trials of the most afflictive nature arise (for " we are all born to trouble, as the sparks fly up- wards"), we must bear in remembrance, that they are sent by a God of love, and that they are nothing but blessings in disguise. We must remember, that " whom he loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth : and that, if we be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are we bastards, and not sons : for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not?" We know that our own children do not exactly appreciate our motives, whilst they are suffering under our displeasure, or when restraints are imposed upon them for their good. We must be content, therefore, to con- sider the darkest of God's dispensations as fruits of his love ; and must feel assured, that, however " clouds and darkness may be round about him, righteousness and judgment are the basis of his throne." In a word, we must ever bear in mind, that God is deserving of all our love ; and we must endea- vour to love, and serve, and glorify him, with every faculty we possess.]
2. What should be the disposition of our minds towards each other ?
[This is the point particularly insisted upon in the former part of this chapter ; and, indeed, it is founded upon the very truth before us : " Beloved, let us love one another : for love is of God ; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God ; for God is love d." And in another place, the Apostle yet more expressly deduces from it the lesson I am inculcating: " Be- loved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another e." Let me then call you, brethren, to be " imitators of God as
d ver. 7, 8. e ver. 11.
2459.] believer's resemblance to god in love. 501
dear children f." And in what would ye so much wish to resemble him as this ? To have your every act, your every disposition love, what could more tend to the perfection of your nature, and the happiness of your souls, than this ? In truth, love, if carried to a due extent, would make a heaven upon earth. O ! cultivate it, my brethren, from your inmost souls; and, to whatever extent you have carried it, learn to " abound more and more." Yet mistake not the proper offices of love. It is not necessary that love should always be exer- cised in a way of approbation, or in a way that shall be pleasing to those who are the objects of it. God corrects his children, and is displeased with them when they act amiss : and you also may manifest your displeasure in a way of correction towards those who are under your authority, when the occa- sion fairly calls for it. But love must be your governing prin- ciple in all things ; and its influence must regulate your whole life. It must shew itself in the suppression of every thing that is selfish, and in the exercise of every thing that is amiable and endearing: you must shew it, by "bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things, and enduring all things." O that I knew what to say, that should prove effec- tual for this blessed end ! This I will say, that by this dispo- sition you must be known as God's children : for, if you possess it not, whatever else you may possess, you are in heart no better than murderers : " He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death: whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him&." On the other hand, " if you dwell in love, God dwelleth in you, and you in him." And, when you have this evidence of a transformation into God's image, then may you " have boldness in reference to the day of judgment." Let it only be said, that " as He is, so are ye in this world ;" and we will predict, without fear of disappointment, that, as He is, so shall ye be also in the world to comeh.]