October 19

Not that we loved God, but that he loved us.

I JOHN IV. 10.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. — JOHN XV. 16.

CUSTOM, which is higher than law, makes it impossible for a true woman to choose her husband. She must be chosen by him. If a king should say to his peasant-bride, "You did not choose me, but I chose you," he would pay a high tribute to her worth and modesty. He would also delicately suggest the fervor and depth of his own affection.

The disciples could not have chosen Jesus. They were sinners; he was holy. They were weak; he was almighty. They were ignorant; he was omniscient. They were mortal; he was eternal. They were human; he was divine. His choice was a tribute to their worth; true love can never choose the unworthy. His choice was the evidence of infinite love. True love delights in lavishing liberal gifts upon its object; he gave himself. His choice was their exaltation, but his own humiliation; it was their salvation, but his own crucifixion. To die for love's sake is the climax of sacrifice. He who dares to die for the friends he has chosen, can fitly say to them, "Love one another as I have loved you."

Jay Benson Hamilton

'T is done, the great transaction's done;

I am my Lord's, and he is mine.

He drew me, and I followed on,

Charmed to confess the voice divine.

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.