November 20
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeEighteenth Wednesday after Trinity
He Which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6.
To love God is verily a gift of God. He Who, when He was not loved, loved us, gave us power to love Him. When we were displeasing to Him He loved us, that there might be formed in us that whereby we might please Him. He who loveth God for Himself, loveth Him the more as he is bared of all, and nothing is left him but his God. He feareth to keep things about him which may take off his thoughts from God; he feareth nothing but what may lessen the love of God, desireth nothing but what may gain him more love; valueth no praise of man, unless it cometh from the love of God, or issueth to His glory. Love counteth all things loss so that it may win Christ. Faint not, any who would love Jesus, if you find yourselves yet far short of what He Himself Who is love saith of the love of Him. Perfect love is heaven. When ye are perfected in love, your work on earth is done.
Love can give us all things here, Use and beauty cannot sever; Love can raise us to that sphere Whence the soul tends heavenward ever; Though one speak with angel tongues Bravest words of strength and fire, If no love his heart inspire, They are but as fleeting songs; All his eloquence shall pass As the noise of sounding brass. Come, Thou Spirit of pure love, Who dost forth from God proceed, Never from my heart remove, Let me all Thy impulse heed.