January 11

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?—John 21:16.

DO my thoughts, feelings, words, actions, all testify that I do indeed love Christ? And does my love to him lead me to love the things that he commands, and the people whom he loves? Are the great interests of his kingdom ever near to my heart? Does the love of Christ constrain me to love his word, to cherish his Spirit, to walk in his ways, and in all things to endeavor to live for him? Does my life meet the test of the Saviour, "If a man love me, he will keep my words"?

Nearness of life to the Saviour will necessarily involve greatness of love to him. As nearness to the sun increases the temperature of the various planets, so near and intimate communion with Jesus, raises the heat of the soul's affections toward him—SPURGEON.

If thou neglectest love to thy neighbor, in vain thou professest thy love to God; for by thy love to God love to thy neighbor is begotten, and by love to thy neighbor thy love to God is cherished and increased.—QUARLES.

I love my God, but with no love of mine; For I have none to give.

I love thee, Lord; but all the love is thine; For by thy love I live.

I am as nothing, and rejoice to be

Emptied, and lost, and swallowed up in thee.

—GUIGNON.