we may observe in the one which bears his name, that many things are detailed of the divine love of the Saviour, which the other Evangelists have either omitted, or but very slightly touched upon. While John has related the facts which the other Evangelists have detailed, he has introduced many special exemplifications of the Lord in reference to His love for mankind. And, again, if we attentively peruse the three Epistles of John, we shall see that affection was, so to speak, the guide of his pen—that love breathes through every line and verse.
John, therefore, may be considered as the apostle representative of love, and, as such, as the disciple whom Jesus loved. The love of the Lord to His people, and their intimate connection with Him, are mentioned in these words: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend." But the love of the Saviour was even greater than this, because HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS ENEMIES. But though by nature and practice we have all been enemies to the Lord, yet, if we return to Him in faith and love, and look to Him for help, striving to be obedient to His commandments. He will receive us, and our former evils will not be remembered against us.
The language of the great Saviour is, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." Now, the command of the Lord is, that we "LOVE ONE ANOTHER." The sincere disciple of the Lord must love all his fellow creatures; he must strive to do good to all: as he sees that, the goodness of his Saviour is universal, making His sun to rise on the evil as well as on the good, and sending rain on the`
