. The dearest idol I have known,
Maria Sandberg, Glimpses of Heaven, 1880. Nevertheless, I have this
against you, that you have left your first love, Revelation 2.4. notwithstanding the comfort we
may take from the glimpse we had of our glorified Saviour's
omniscience in our last meditation, in that Jesus knows the sincerity
of His people's motives, the greatness of their temptations,
and the extent of their patient endurance and labour for His
name's sake, Yet we must not stop short of the other part
of his address to his people, namely, that he knows also their
backslidings, their wanderings, their faithlessness to him who
has done so much for them. Nevertheless, I have this against
you, that you have left your first love. The Lord says, I
remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your
espousals, I remember how zealous you once were for my glory, how
fervent were your prayers, how strong and ardent your affection
for me, once you would not have been content with such short
and formal prayers, Once, you would not have listened so carelessly
to my gospel. Once, you meditated with joy
unspeakable on the heavenly home to which I am bringing you. Once,
you loved me supremely. But, nevertheless, I have this
against you, that you have left your first love. Now your thoughts
of heaven are few and cold. Instead of exclaiming, O what
has Jesus bought for me, you are fearful lest you should be
called too soon from this wilderness world to your happy heavenly
home. Examine yourselves. Prove your
own selves. Watch the first signs of spiritual
declension. Fear nothing so much as wanderings
of heart from Jesus, growing cold towards Him, and fixing
your affections too much on the creature. Often ask yourselves,
Is this the amount of love I shall be satisfied with, when I see
Him who has loved me and given Himself for me, when my faith
shall be turned to sight? Shall I love Jesus thus coldly? Endeavor to realize the presence
of Jesus now that will rekindle your fainting love. Endeavor
to realize the love of Jesus to your souls, and that will
revive your languid affection. Look back on the affection for
Jesus which you once experienced. Remember from whence you are
fallen, and repent, and do the first works. the dearest idol
I have known, whatever that idol be, help me to tear it from thy
throne, and worship only thee.