February 13

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that we also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have

heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

"After the word God, there is no word that includes so much as 'fellowship.' It enfoids within itself our recovery from sin, the beginning of spiritual life, conformity to the image of Christ, brotherhood with all believers, the affection and confidence of a pure Divine love, and the eternities of heavenly communion. This is the wideness of its possibilities."—Rev. John Parker.

In this chapter two things are taught us: 1. The beginning of this fellowship is attributed to our reception of the truth concerning Jesus (verses 1-4). 2. The continuance of this fellowship is the result of a holy life (verses 5-10)

"A soul washed in the blood of Jesus Christ has very delicate perceptions. The light which has risen in her shows her the smallest dust-particle of sin and the most subtle motions of the flesh, and makes her perceive whatever accords with her happy frame in gladsome converse with God and the Saviour, and whatever disturbs it."—Steinhofer.

Closet Promise Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whether thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."—Gen. xxviii. 15.

Oh, blessed fellowship divine! Oh, joy supremely sweet Companionship with Jesus here Makes life with bliss repere:— In union with the Parest One, I find my heaven on earth begun. Oh, wondrous bliss, oh, joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time!

I'm walking close to Jesus' side, So close that I can hear The softest whispers of His love, In fellowship so dear, And feel His great almighty hand Protect me in this hostile land. Oh, wondrous bliss, oh, joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time!

I'm leaving on His loving breast, Along this weary way, My pat, thinned by His smile, Grows to her day's day; No word, no feet, my heart can fear, With my mighty sound so near, Oh, wondrous bliss, oh, joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time!

I know His feeling, wings of love Are always for me spread; And though the storms may fiercely rage— All calm, and free from dread My peaceful spirit ever sings, "I trust the covers of His wings." Oh, wondrous bliss, oh, joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time! —Mrs. Mary D. James.