But when you are fairly at the work, what is the motive which tells upon every touch of it? If it is the love of that which your work represents - if, being a landscape painter, it is love of hills and trees that move you - if, being a figure painter, it is love of human beauty and human soul that moves you - if, being a flower or an animal painter, it is love, and wonder, and delight in petal and in limb that move you, then the spirit is upon you, and the earth is yours, and the fulness thereof. I do not ask what your leading motive is for working, that is a different thing you may have families to support, parents to help, brides to win you may have all these, or other such sacred and pre-eminent motives to press the morning's labour and prompt the twilight thought. Ruskin.Ask yourselves what is the leading motive which actuates you while you are at work. Yet the expression of that doctrine in the life of brotherly love is more effective and the realization of Christ's idea, the fulfilment of Christ's law, will do more than all preaching to convince the world of the Divine mission of the Christ. The world is doubtless impressed by the novelty, the beauty, the celestial dignity, of Christian doctrine. THE IMPRESSION PRODUCED UPON THE WORLD BY THE PRACTICAL EMBODIMENT OF THIS PRINCIPLE. "See how these Christians love one another!" was the exclamation of a surprised and admiring world. "All ye are brethren" was the Master's explicit declaration concerning the members of his Church. This is a new, an antagonistic principle, yet, in its proper influence, the principle which is to pacify strife, to harmonize conflicting interests, to breathe new life into human society. How different is the selfish principle adopted by the unchristian world, is at once apparent. THE ADVANTAGES ACCRUING TO THE CHURCH FROM THE ADOPTION OF THIS PRINCIPLE. Yet nothing less than its universal adoption and prevalence can satisfy the Lord of the kingdom. The precept is doubtless one not easy of application so general. There is no limitation in the language of the text: " Let all that ye do be done in love!" It is a lofty motive, a far-reaching principle. Love is to govern the whole life, and is to permeate the Christian society. It is too common to regard Christian charity as a grace to be displayed in certain relations and upon certain occasions. THE UNIVERSAL APPLICATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE. Love to God and love to man constituted, according to him, the sum of obedience, righteousness, religion. Again and again did the Saviour enjoin upon his disciples the virtue of brotherly love. THE AUTHORITY FOR THE LIFE OF LOVE IS TO BE FOUND IN THE WORDS OF CHRIST. Who that reads the incomparable story of our Lord's earthly ministry can be insensible to this fact, which distinguishes that ministry from, and raises it above, every other life and work this world has witnessed? Love gleamed from his countenance, spoke in his tones, flowed from his presence, wrought by his hands. THE MODEL OF THE LIFE OF LOVE IS TO BE FOUND IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST. It is thus that it is regarded in the text. And this same emotion becomes in Christian society an elevating, purifying, regulating, and transforming power. And Divine love is the motive which God himself has appointed for the renewal and salvation of our humanity. For it is one of the most powerful practical principles of our being. It is such and yet its place in the economy of human nature and life is not fully described when thus much is said. Thomson We may regard love as a sentiment. Watchfulness, Steadfastness, Manliness, Strength The Requirements of the Christian Warfare Wholesome Teaching for the Older MinistersĬhrist Satisfying the Instinct of Courage Paul's Affectionate Recommendation of Timothy Teaches Us that Young Ministers Paul and His Purposes His Friends Earnest Exhortation
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