I shall never forget the gentleness of a mighty man of God whom I
well knew, who on the platform was clothed with zeal as with a
garment, and in his overwhelming earnestness was like a lion or a
consuming fire; but when dealing with a wounded or broken heart,
or with a seeking soul, no nurse with a little babe could be more
tender than he.
7. Finally, Paul was full of _self-forgetful, self-sacrificing
love._ "So being affectionately desirous of you, we were
willing to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God only,
but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."
No wonder he shook those heathen cities, overthrew their idols,
had great revivals, that his jailer was converted, and that his
converts would have gladly plucked out their eyes for him! Such
tender, self-sacrificing love compels attention, begets
confidence, enkindles love, and surely wins its object.
This burning love led him to labour and sacrifice, and so live
and walk before them that he was not only a teacher, but an
example of all he taught, and could safely say, "Follow me."
This love led him to preach the whole truth, that he might by all
means save them. He kept back no truth because it was unpopular,
for it was their salvation and not his own reputation and
popularity he sought.
He preached not himself, but a crucified Christ, without the
shedding of whose blood there is no remission of sins; and
through that precious blood he preached present cleansing from
all sin, and the gift of the Holy Spirit for all who obediently
believe.
Pages:
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139