September 30

Charity suffereth long, and is kind.—1 Corinthians 13:4.

DO I bear in mind that charity is but another name for Christian love; and that if the spirit of love reign in the heart, it will lead us to bear injury and provocation without giving way to resentment or to the spirit of revenge? If we have this charity, will it not aid us to control passion, and to be patient, and long-suffering, and unselfish, and forgiving, and kind, and courteous, and obliging, and benevolent? Is not the spirit of charity the spirit of kindness, both in word and deed, and to all?

The same Bible that gives us the ten commandments enjoins that charity, which believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.—GUTHRIE.

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.—QUARLES.

Not only kindness, but a special kindness is due to every one. Kindness is not kindness unless it be special. It is in its fitness, seasonableness, and individual application, that its charm consists.—FABER.

Meek and lowly, pure and holy,

Chief among the blessed three;

Turning sadness into gladness,

Blessed art thou, charity.

Works best pleasing God, most high,

Serve mankind in charity.