March 1

Beloved, let us love one another. — 1 JOHN iv. 7.

A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. — JOHN xiii. 34. 35.

NO one can really love the Saviour without loving those for whom he died; and we are bound to love one another as Christ loved us. His love is not dependent upon our worthiness, — alas for us all, if it were! He loved us before we loved him, and having loved his own, he loves them to the end in spite of all their frailties. We are called to love the fallen all the more, because they so much need our love, and should continue to love our brethren, although we may see that they are full of infirmities.

True love is always faithful, as well as charitable and tolerant; but it ceases to rebuke as soon as the signs of penitence appear. When Jesus met the disciple who had just before denied him, he had no word of reproach to utter, because he had seen the poor man's bitter tears. Those whose lives had been crimsoned with sin Jesus forgave, because they "loved much." True love is always forgiving as well as faithful.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends;" and this is what Christ did. He even laid down his life for his enemies, and prayed for his murderers as he hung upon the cross. Our love for those around us is to be measured by what we are willing to do for them. True love is always ready to make sacrifices. It rejoices in the opportunity of helping others. Faith may languish and hope grow dim, but love outlasts them both, "for the greatest of these is charity."

Thomas M. Clark.

Love is the golden chain that binds

The happy souls above;

And he's an heir of heaven who finds

His bosom glow with love.

JOSEPH SWAIN.