The love which the early Christians felt towards the Lord was not a quiet emotion which they hid within themselves in the secret chamber of their souls, and which they only spoke of when they met on the first day of the week, and sang hymns in honor of Christ Jesus the crucified, but it was a passion

with them of such a vehement and all-consuming energy, that it was visible in their actions, spoke in their common talk, and looked out of their eyes even in their commonest glances. Love to Jesus was a flame which fed upon the core and heart of their being; and, therefore, from its own force burned its way into the outer man, and shone there.

When a man is privileged, by appointment, to be the purveyor of this or that to Her Majesty the Queen, he takes good care to let us know it. It is printed on his business cards and set up over his door. Connection with royalty is thought to dignify him.

But, beloved, there is a King whom it is transcendent honor to serve—an honor which angels appreciate, which archangels delight in. That King is the once rejected Jesus of Nazareth.