Joy in the Love of God – Charles Spurgeon

I REMEMBER well, when I was under a sense of sin, looking at a dog and wishing I were such as he, that I might die without fear of judgment hereafter, for it seemed so awful a thing to live on forever as a sinner; but now, on the other hand, I have sometimes looked at the happiest animals, and I have said to myself, “Ah, but yonder poor creature does not know the love of God, and how thankful I am to God that he has given me the capacity to know himself.” Why, if I could hear of an angel in Heaven who did not know the love of God, I should pity him. There are kings and mighty emperors who know not the Lord’s love, and what poor, pitiable creatures they are. But as for you who rejoice in divine love, I would have you go in the darkest alley if you are forced to live there, and undergo the most wearisome toil if that be your lot—ay, and go home to a persecuting husband, or a churlish father, and yet hear melodious music ringing in your hearts, for “God, even our Father, which has loved us, has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.” This is enough to make the wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose.