March 2

This is the true God, and eternal life. — 1 JOHN v. 20.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. — JOHN xvii. 3.

CHRISTIAN philosophy epitomized! Two thoughts appear, shining like upper and lower harbor lights to guide the mariner home. Life! creation's great fact, riveting attention in every leaf and flower, demanding thought with every breath and heart-beat, questioned by every longing hope of humanity, — what is it, not alone physically and mortally, but spiritually and eternally? Science hangs her head and answers evasively, or in a circle. Human philosophy confesses ignorance. We grope unsatisfied; not a ray of light till it bursts resplendent from the life and lips of Christ! This is not mere eternal existence of which Jesus speaks. Lost souls, fallen angels exist in living death forever. Real living, worthy living, is no question of years, but of growing character and quality of being. "To be spiritually minded is life." Immortal souls live only as they commune with God.

But how may I attain it? Seeking to know God is the only way. But human searching cannot find out the infinite. To our unaided sense he is "the unknown God." Hence we need Immanuel, God revealed. Now, to know Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent in all his fulness as redeemer, teacher, and king, is to know the only true God, and this is life eternal within our reach, for "he that hath the Son, hath life."

Life's but a means unto an end; that end, Beginning, mean, and end of all things, — God.

BAILEY.