It Is Love

J. W. Alexander (1804-1859), American Presbyterian pastor and churchman, and son of Archibald Alexander:

Think of this when you are tempted to discontent. What is it that really constitutes the happiness of a [church]? Is it a fine house, furniture, equipage . . . large salary, wealthy pew holders? Nay, it is love. It is the affectionate and mutual attachment. It is the daily flow of emotion, and commingling of interest in common sorrows and common joys; in the sick-room, and the house of bereavement, at the death-bed and the grave, at baptisms and communions.

--J. W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching (1864), 118-19

HT: Zack Eswine