Divine love a river
"He showed me a river." "There is a river," says the psalmist, "the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God." Divine love is indeed a river.
I. EXHAUSTLESS. It rises from the infinitude of the Divine nature—a source unfathomed and unfathomable.
II. UNIVERSAL. This river rolls everywhere. It rolls under the universe, and all things float on its waves. It refreshes and beautifies all. The ancient sages considered water ἡ ἀρχή. We scarcely wonder at this when they saw water everywhere in the material world. But water is but the symbol of love. Love is indeed ἡ ἀρχή.
III. EVER FLOWING. The inexhaustible fountain is always acting—outpouring itself. Creation is a work never finished, for the river of Divine love is overflowing.
IV. RESTORATIVE. This river to human souls is restorative. It at once resuscitates and cleanses; it quenches thirst and removes defilement. Christ is the channel through which flows this soul restorative love.
"Flow down, thou stream of life Divine,
Thy quickening streams deliver;
Oh, flow throughout this soul of mine
Forever and forever!
"Flow down, and cause this heart to glow
With love to God the Giver—
That love in which all virtues grow
Forever and forever.
"Flow down, as flow the ray and rain,
In vital work together,
Refreshing roots and quickening grain
Forever and forever.
"Flow down, as flows the living sun
Upon the sparkling river,
Which, chanting to the boundless, run
Forever and forever.
"Flow down, revive this famished soul,
And bear away all error;
And I will praise thee, God of all,
Forever and forever."
D.T.