April 17

Keep yourselves in the lobe of God. — JUDE i. 21.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. — JOHN xv. 9.

THE very words of Christ have a peculiar charm. We especially prize those which declare his relations and his feeling toward us. The declaration that he loves us is an unspeakably comforting assurance, especially as we are conscious of our unworthiness and sinfulness even since we have believed. The mystery deepens, yet the thought becomes more definite and comforting when we hear, "I have loved you" "as my Father hath loved me." — the same in kind, measure, and duration of love. He desires our companionship and co-operation, as he has daily been the delight of his Father and associated in all his operations (Prov. viii. 30: John xvii. 4. 5. 24). He regards us with complaisance. There is in us no good thing, but he has already given us of his graces, and will change us into his image from glory to glory. He is the brightness of the Father's glory; and he delights in our obedience. It is very imperfect; but he notices our will and effort to do good, our resistance of temptation, and our patience under crosses and afflictions. His Father loved him because he was obedient unto death.

Nothing can separate us from this love of Christ. But we must be conscious of it and respond to it. "Continue ye in my love." Desire close intimacy with Christ. Seek conformity to his image, and crave his approbation in every act. "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord."

J. Aspinwall Hodges

Oh, the height of Jesus' love,

Higher than the heavens above,

Deeper than the depths of sea,

Lasting as eternity!

Love that found me — wondrous thought! —

Found me when I sought him not!

WILLIAM M CONS