Divine attraction.
There is evidence of attraction throughout the physical universe. The earth draws all things upon it towards its centre; it draws the moon and keeps it revolving round itself. The sun draws the planets, which in their regular orbits unconsciously yield to the influence which he unconsciously exerts. We cannot study any bodies, however distant and however vast, without perceiving the power of attraction. And this power is as manifest in the molecule as in the mass; there is attraction in the smallest as in the greatest of material bodies. As the planets by gravitation are held in their courses by the sun, so are souls led to feel the attraction of our Saviour God. But whilst material things obey unwittingly, it is for spiritual natures consciously and voluntarily to yield to the spiritual attraction of him who is the Centre, the Law, the Life of all.
I. THE SPIRITUAL DRAWING OF THE KING OF LOVE.
1. The language reveals a dread of being far from God. The soul cries, "Quicken me! lest I remain in death; turn me! lest I continue in error; draw me! lest I live at a distance from thee."
2. The language reveals a recognition of authority. The cry is to the King. Many are the attractions of the world. Trahit sua quemque voluptas. Yet these attractions should always be suspected, should sometimes be resisted. But when God draws, his is the drawing of royalty and of right.
3. The language reveals the power of love. "I drew them with cords of a man, with hands of love." "I will draw all men unto myself." Such are the declarations of infinite grace. Those whose souls they reach and touch cannot but seek to be laid hold of by the silken chains, and led and kept near their Lord.
"O Christ, who hast prepared a place
For us beside thy throne of grace,
Draw us, we pray, with cords of love
From exile to our home above."
II. THE OBEDIENT FOLLOWING- OF THOSE WHO FEEL THE DIVINE ATTRACTION.
1. The drawing of the King proves its own effectiveness. "With loving kindness have I drawn thee." The charm is felt, the summons is obeyed, the presence and society which bring spiritual blessing are sought.
2. There is eagerness and haste in the response.
"He drew me, and I followed on,
Glad to confess the voice Divine."
Running denotes interest and zeal. The willing following becomes a diligent and strenuous race. The soul finds in Christ a Divine Friend and Lover and Spouse, and in his society satisfaction that never cloys, and joy that never fails.
APPLICATION. Here we have the history of the Divine life in man, related in a few words. In providence, in revelation, in the incarnate Word, in the power of the spiritual dispensation,—in all this God is drawing us. And every movement of the spirit, every impulse towards holiness, every true endeavour after obedience, may be regarded as the practical yielding to the Divine attraction. God's work on earth is just "drawing" us; our religious life is just "running" after him.—T.