January 10

Be kindly affectioned one to another, in brotherly love.—Romans 12:10.

HAVE I that true and pure affection to others which springs from a heart imbued with the love of God? Do I cultivate a spirit of kindness and courtesy to all with whom I come in contact? Am I habitually considerate, sympathizing, thoughtful of the feelings and happiness of others, willing to forget self that I may add to their comfort or do them good? Does the love of God control my actions, influence my motives, prompt my words? Am I kindly affectioned in little things as well as in great; at home as well as abroad; to the poor and lowly as well as to the great?

Life is made up not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness and small obligations given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart, and both secure and give comfort. —SIR H. DAVY.

Civility is a charm that attracts the love of all men, and too much is better to show than too little.—BISHOP HORNE.

This kind of affection puts us on to express ourselves both in word and action, with the utmost courtesy and obligingness that may be.—MATTHEW HENRY.

Teach me to live with kindly words for all,

Wearing no cold, repulsive brow of gloom;

Waiting with cheerful patience, till thy call

Summon my spirit to her heavenly home.

There may the seeds that love on earth has sown,

Bring forth a harvest blest around thy throne!