Payson of Maine (A Worthy Repost)

Edward Payson, American Congregational preacher from Maine, early 19th century:

"I have sometimes heard of spells and charms to excite love, and have wished for them, when a boy, that I might cause others to love me. but how much do I now wish for some charm which should lead men to love the Saviour! . . . Could I paint a true likeness of Him, methinks I should rejoice to hold it up to the view and admiration of all creation, and be hid behind it forever. It would be heaven enough to hear Him praised and adored. But I can not paint Him; I can not describe Him; I can not make others love Him; nay, I can not love Him a thousandth part so much as I ought myself. O, for an angel's tongue! O, for the tongues of ten thousand angels, to sound His praises."

I know in my own life I have often been dull towards the Spirit of God and the glory of our Savior - still am, at times. But, mercifully, I also know the yearning feeling of wanting others to wake up and with eyes wide open see the beauty of Christ. It's almost unbelievable how many folks can coast through a meeting where the Truth is fervently, earnestly sung about and preached and remain as dull as dirt and completely unmoved. But it doesn't matter; for my part, I want to lift up my Redeemer with all that I am, as best as I can. No, I can't love Him like I ought, but I'm working on it.