The work of the Holy Spirit - pagina 654

LOVE

6i4

which is inspired only by amiable traits, which has no other ground than mutual good will, which is the daughter of a compliant disposition, which is supported by mutual service, burning of incense or self-interest, never arouses such hatred. But as soon as love adopts a nobler and holier character; when it loves the friend not for his appearance, disposition, winning ways, and pleasing forms, but in spite of his unyielding nature, stern claims, and disagreeable traits,

simply because he principle, the

is

the bearer of a conviction, the interpreter of a

mighty pleader of an

a year, but follows love in

its

ideal, then hatred can not tarry wake, and rages as bitterly and vio-

lently as love's attachment is tender

and animating.

This was never more obvious than in the Person of Christ. His contemporaries are entitled to fair treatment. With the exception

whom it had been specially revealed, not one saw in the Rabbi of Nazareth the Son of God, the Hope of the Fathers, and the Promised Messiah, The great mass of the people hailed Him merely as the Hero of His conviction, the Preacher of Righteousof those to

One who was filled with And what does the history

ness,

and holy principles. That at the first meeting, enchanted by His holy eye, touched by His eloquent word, overcome by Plis word of love, men offer Him homage and join the hosannas of the multitudes. But also that this superficia,l acquaintance is soon followed by a change of inclination and disposition, in some developing into positive faith and entire surrender to His Person, and in others into hatred which becomes more violent day by day. Jesus troubled no one. No bitter word ever escaped His lips. There were thousands whom He blessed and not one whom He harmed. Even the little child :en He drew to Himself and kissed their smiling lips. And yet, already at His firs appearance in Nazareth, evil passions begin to rage against Him. What the wrong was that He had done no one could tell but they could not bear Him He annoyed them He was to them an eyesore He must go. So long as He remains in the land of the living, there can be no rest in Palestine, so they thought. zeal for high

of His life reveal?

.

;

;

;

This accounts for the frequent

;

eflforts of

the

mob

to stone

and

Him; for the foul epithets they applied to Him, saying "that He was beside Himself,"" that He had a devil and was mad," " that He stirred up the people," that He was a "glutton" and "wine-

kill

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