loneliness. He passed through the door and walked in paradise. Oh my brothers, it is this which makes life! Why should we halt when every great voice calls us on? Take all of good which is offered you. But pass on, beyond all which men can say, into that broader world of truth and duty, where God Himself bears rule. "Behold," He saith, "Behold, I have set before thee a door opened." THE THRONE OF GRACE THE "throne of grace" is an expression less familiar to us than it was to our fathers. It is peculiar and full of meaning. The two principal words are not commonly associated. A throne is a place of authority which is to be obeyed. Grace is favor which is to be received. Duty is usually thought to be distinct from privilege, except as privileges are duties, and opportunities bring obligation. All language is inadequate to the description of God. Certainly any king that we know is a poor representative of the Lord of the whole earth; while grace, standing by itself, gives an incomplete idea of his attitude toward men. The Lord reigneth, and his throne is from everlasting to everlasting. Its authority is founded upon its righteousness. The grace is an important addition to the throne. It adds nothing to God's purpose, which is from the beginning, but it expresses the fulfillment of his intent in the act of redemption. The Eternal Love becomes the Incarnation, and thus extends to men the fullness of its blessing. |