To be near unto God - pagina 589

and no hypocrisy. His all-penetrating glance puts every cover aside. And these two taken together account for the fact, that sensitiveness in Divine love is far more strongly ftioved to jealousy, than strongest human passion can ever arouse brooding envy. When we are not remembered by our friends it troubles us. But it troubles the bridegroom far more grievously when he perceives that his bride is filled with other thoughts than of him. Tenderest love demands that we are continualh^ engaged with one another, that during temporary separation we live together in thought, and that while the separation lasts, we cherish no other desire than to meet one another again, to be near one another again, and in each other's company to feel are,

and happy and blessed. Apply this to your love for God, to your confession that it is good for 3'ou to be near unto God. For this love, too, is unique. It is no love by the side of another love, but one which far excels, and is bound to govern everj- other attachment, every other affection, every other union of soul. It is not loving wife, child, church, country and God, but it is loving God alone, and from this love have the cherishing affections flow forth, with which you also love 3'our wife and child, your church and native land. And is it then too much for God to ask, that you will always be engaged with him, that you will always think of him, will always let the heart go out to him. and that you will repress everything that enters into 3'our mind to lead you away from him and to induce you to forsake him? Is it not God's jealousy of your love, your honor, your rich

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