The Source of the Christian's Love.
Dr. W. Breckenridge, in his sermon at the opening of the Old School Assembly, introduced this pleasant pastoral reminiscence : It happened to me, in the good providence of God, years ago—but I shall never forget it—to have under my ministry in the Gospel, a child whose heart was won by the Saviour's love. After a while, with becoming diffidence, she made known her desire to profess the faith in Christ, and join herself to his people. But her parents thought she was too young, and wished to hold her back for a time. Finally they allowed her to meet the session, with some other persons, who just then desired to take the same step. When the hour came we sat all together in the house of God, a grave but tender-hearted company. As the religious experience of one and another of the applicants for Church membership was stated, it came to the turn of this child to relate hers. “My child,” said I, “how old are you?” “Thirteen,” she answered. “Do you think you are old enough,” I asked, “to be bound to love the Saviour?” “Yes, sir,” she said, “I think I am.” “And do you love him, then?” I asked her. “Yes, sir,” she answered, “I do love him.” “Why do you love him, my dear child?” once more I asked her. She started, as if surprised at the question, and turning her beautiful face upon me, bathed in tears, but radiant with joy and peace, she quickly answered, “Why, I love him because he loved me, and gave himself for me!” I thought with myself, if all the saints on earth, and the general assembly and Church of the first-born that are written in Heaven were asked that question, not one of them could give a plainer or truer answer!