Morning, March 9

The superlative beauty of Jesus is all-attracting; it is not so much to be admired as to be loved. He is more than pleasant and fair—He is altogether lovely. Surely the people of God can fully justify the use of this golden word, for He is the object of their warmest love, a love founded on the intrinsic excellence of His person, and the complete perfection of His charms.

Look, O disciples of Jesus, to your Master's lips, and say, "Are they not most sweet?" Do not His words cause your hearts to burn within you as He talks with you by the way? O worshipers of Immanuel, look up to His head of much fine gold, and tell me—are not His thoughts precious unto you? Is not your adoration sweetened with affection as you humbly bow before that beauteous countenance? Is there not a charm in His every feature, and is not His whole person fragrant with such a fragrance of His good ointments, that therefore the virgins love Him? Is there one member of His glorious body—which is not attractive? Is there one portion of His person—which is not a fresh loadstone to our souls? Is there one office—which is not a strong cord to bind your heart?

Our love is not as a seal set upon His heart of love alone; it is fastened upon His arm of power also; nor is there a single part of Him upon which it does not fix itself. We anoint His whole person with the sweet spikenard of our fervent love. His whole life we would imitate; His whole character we would transcribe. In all other beings—we see some lack; but in Him there is all perfection. The best even of His favored saints have had blots upon their garments, and wrinkles upon their brows; but He is nothing but loveliness. All earthly suns have their spots; the fair world itself has its wilderness; we cannot love the whole of the most lovely thing; but Christ Jesus is gold without alloy —light without darkness — and glory without cloud. "Yes, He is altogether lovely!"

Courtesy of Grace Gems! Used by permission.