Moses & Christ; Or the Plan of the World's Salvation, Illustrated by Bible Allegories

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1888. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... MOSES AND CHRIST. CHAPTER, XX. God's Love And Purpose. God's lore is the chief or underlying plank in the Christian platform. It is the key-note of Christianity. As love is God's nature-- God is love --it follows that the universe is based on love; and that his purpose must be in every particular in harmony with love. All that God ever has done, or ever will do, must, when rightly understood, be an expression of bis love. But God's love cannot be fully known without knowing his purpose and plan. For want of such knowledge, men are always misinterpreting some of the Lord's works and ways, and denying his love. They see severe and terrible things, of which there are many, and they say, If God is love and is Almighty, why does he permit such things? They assume what is not true, that love and severity are necessarily contrary to each other. A child naturally thinks his father unloving and even cruel, to cross his wishes or put difficulties in his way. But it is his ignorance of his father's wiser plans that makes him think so. Men, in their ignorance of God's all-wise plan and of the purpose to be attained, are just like children. As they grow older and wiser they will see that Father knew best, and that the severe measures and even punishments were necessary as means of discipline, in the formation of character. It may be safely allowed, however, that in the government of an all-wise, all-powerful and all-loving Father, no difficulty or punishment ever has existed, or ever will exist, (SOD'S Love Axd Purpose. 187 that cannot be over-ruled for good. Punishment is not an end, but a means to an end. The pain caused by fire is God's wrath against sin; but who cannot see that it is also a merciful arrangement, to teach obedience to law, which always brings a blessi...