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1. In John's Gospel we have God's love to man, and in his Epistles man's love to God.

2. Each of the apostles had his mission — Paul to expound the Divine decrees, James to hoist the standard of Christian duty, John to proclaim Divine love. So the first propagators of Christianity represented the various phases of Christ's character.

3. In his treatment of love John elevated it. The poet, historian, dramatist, found it the most inspiring subject. But alas! the Divine passion which left the portals of immortality whiter than snow was dragged through the culverts of human debasement; but John took it to the foot of the cross, where its stains were cleansed, and led it back to the gate of heaven whiter than before.

I. THE DECLARATION. "As the Father," etc. This was —

1. Old love. The question of Pharaoh is of frequent occurrence, "How old art thou?" The historian asks it of the archives of nations, the antiquarian of ancient monuments, the geologist of primaeval formations. Nature is venerable and has a calendar which contains this record, "In the beginning God created the heavens," etc.; but the date when He began to love the Son is not there. Of the old things of life, old friendship is the sweetest. You say "These are very old friends of mine." After an absence of years with what a hearty shake of hands old friends greet each other! But the oldest began to love; Christ's is an everlasting love.

2. Great love. If God so loved the world of imperfect beings how intense His love to His Son must have been; and Christ is fuller of love to us than the sun is of light, or the sea of water.

3. Enduring love (Zechariah 3:17; John 13:1).

II. THE ADVICE. "Continue," etc. Christ's love is —

1. The source of Christian discipleship. The followers of Christ were many, and were actuated by a variety of motives; some because of the loaves and fishes, some out of admiration, some out of sympathy, some because of His irresistible charm. But how quickly these sources of attraction dried up! There are many religious influences at work, but only one abides today. During winter and spring the rills overflow their beds, and the villagers have no need to go far for water; but when summer comes all these cease flowing. The village well, however, is inexhaustible. Religious life has its rills, but the fountain is Jesus. Young converts should take heed to the word "abide."

2. The only sphere is which the Christian should turn. "Love one another, so shall ye be My disciples." Christians strive hard to love one another and fail. The only secret of success in this direction is to love Christ.

3. The only condition of safety. Behold the helpless babe. Its safety is not in its own strength, but in its mother's love. A mother once said about her youngest son, "I am not afraid of his going astray; he is so fond of home." Do you want to be safe? Abide in Christ's love. A mother begged her daughter to stay at home one day; she refused, and embarked on the ill-fated Princess Alice, and was lost. Young Christian, allow the pleasureboats of sin to pass by, and stay at home in Christ's love.

(T. Davies, Ph. D.)

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KJV: As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

WEB: Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.