To be near unto God - pagina 193

protest? Not at all. On the contrary, in the course of an ordinary hfetime the faith has been abandoned in ever widening circles, and there is almost no more shame now in being credited with atheism. Even this is nothing new. The selfsame condition prevailed in Israel in the days of its spiritual apostacy. This is convincingly shown when God himself through Isaiah utters this reproach against his people: "Thou hast lied, for thou hast not laid Me upon thine heart" (Is. 57:11, Dutch version). It is very necessary therefore to examine still more closely what it is to love the Lord. Necessary also for believers, since even among them there glitters much that seems like the gold of love, but which is no gold. The first step is to realize that "to love God" is not the easiest, but the hardest thing to which faith calls us. Ordinarily love is taken as willingness to consider others and to do all we can to make them happy. This is seen on every side where philanthropy awakens. Love there directs itself first, most generously and easily, to the unfortunate, and it is a matter of congratulation that this generously interpreted philanthropy is carried, in these days, on such large scales. This teaches us to bring ofiferings, it invites devotion, it lessens much suf-

single

fering.

But with this aspect of love, we make no advances with God. He is blessed forever more. He is not in need of anything. In notliing is he in need of us. We can furnish him no supply. Pity, which gives rise to philanthropic love, can 189

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