Homilist Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love… I. His love for man is PERSONAL. "I have loved thee." 1. The distinguishing constitution He has given him. He has endowed him with more faculties of enjoyment than any other creature in the universe possesses. He has given him intellect, by which be can enjoy the pleasures of meditation; social affection, by which he can enjoy the blessings of friendship; religious affinities, by which he can have sympathy with the source of all life and blessedness. 2. His wonderful mercy in the mediation of His Son. II. His love for man is ETERNAL. 1. Humanity had nothing to do with exciting it. 2. Christ had nothing to do with procuring it. Christ's mediation was the effect, not the cause of God's love for man. His mediation was no afterthought. The Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world. III. His love for man is ATTRACTING. 1. How attracting it is in its nature! Kindness is always attractive; and its attracting power is always in proportion to its spontaneity, disinterestedness, and magnanimity. 2. How attracting it is in its manifestation! Look at it — (1) In nature. The world overflows with Divine kindness. (2) In revelation. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. |
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