We see the same union of pity with indignation in that scene where
Christ wept over the sinful city. He had to weep tears of pity over the
nation's coming doom; yes, but He could pronounce that doom; and in His
wonderful providence He could even arrange for effecting it. So I do not
overlook the fact that we have manifestations of divine wrath, as well
as divine love; yes, fiery indignation as well as tender compassion. But
let us not forget that love is the positive, essential, eternal
attribute; and it would be strange indeed if it is not finally
victorious.

You may bring this idea of the union of love and indignation close home
to yourself. We will suppose that you are a father, and that a son of
yours has turned out to be a prodigal. He has gone away from home, bent
on a course of crime. Will you not have alternations of love and
indignation? Yes, you will sigh and pine for his return; and you will
have righteous anger at times over his evil course. And if the son
repents, and one day comes home again, will you not receive him with
joy? O yes, you will run to meet him, like the father in the
Gospel story.

And do you think that your love is more enduring than God's? Are not we
all His children, though we have strayed away from Him? Does He not look
and long for our return? O yes; and He will accomplish it. The
difference is, that He has all power, and He has ways and means of
attaining His ends. Let us be assured that "His counsel will stand, and
He will do all His pleasure."

In this connection there is a very important consideration. It is
this--that no design of God can ultimately fail. We read that He
"willeth not the death of a sinner." We read that He "desires all men to