aside
His glory, and humiliate Himself from love to man, will ever excite the
wonder and adoration of the universe. As the nations of the saved look
upon their Redeemer, and behold the eternal glory of the Father shining in
His countenance; as they behold His throne, which is from everlasting to
everlasting, and know that His kingdom is to have no end, they break forth
in rapturous song, "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath
redeemed us to God by His own most precious blood!"

The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In the light that
streams from Calvary, the attributes of God which had filled us with fear
and awe appear beautiful and attractive. Mercy, tenderness, and parental
love are seen to blend with holiness, justice, and power. While we behold
the majesty of His throne, high and lifted up, we see His character in its
gracious manifestations, and comprehend, as never before, the significance
of that endearing title, "Our Father."

It will be seen that He who is infinite in wisdom could devise no plan for
our salvation except the sacrifice of His Son. The compensation for this
sacrifice is the joy of peopling the earth with ransomed beings, holy,
happy, and immortal. The result of the Saviour's conflict with the powers
of darkness is joy to the redeemed, redounding to the glory of God
throughout eternity. And such is the value of the soul that the Father is
satisfied with the price paid; and Christ Himself, beholding the fruits of
His great sacrifice, is satisfied.

41. DESOLATION OF THE EARTH.

[Illustration: Chapter header.]

"Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her
iniquities." "In the cup which she hath filled, fill to her double. How
much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment
and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no
widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one
day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with
fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the
earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her,
shall bewail her, and lament for her, ... saying, Alas, alas that great
city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment
come."(1131)

"The merchants of the earth," that have "waxed rich through the abundance
of her delicacies," "shall stand afar off f