[b]It is utterly impossible
(Octavius Winslow, 1852)
It has been the distinctive aim, and the sincere
desire of my ministry--to make known and to
endear the Savior to your hearts.
Oh, how worthy is He . . .
of your most exalted conceptions,
of your most implicit confidence,
of your most self-denying service,
of your most fervent love!
When He could give you no more--and
the fathomless depths of His love, and
the boundless resources of His grace,
would not be satisfied by giving you
less--He gave you Himself!
Robed in your nature,
laden with your curse,
oppressed with your sorrows,
wounded for your transgressions,
and slain for your sins--
He gave His entire self for you!
His redeeming work now finished--He is perpetually
engaged in meting out blessings to His people, from
the exhaustless treasures of His love! He constantly
woos your affection--invites your grief--and bids you
repair with your daily trials to His sympathy, and with
your hourly guilt to His blood. You cannot in your drafts
upon Christ's fullness, be too covetous; nor in your
expectations of supply, be too extravagant! You may
fail, as, alas! the most of us do, in making too little of
Christ--but you cannot fail, in making too much of Him!
It is utterly impossible to know Christ,
and not become inspired with a desire . . .
to love Him supremely,
to serve Him devotedly,
to resemble Him closely,
to glorify Him faithfully here,
and to enjoy Him fully hereafter!