February 21

All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.—Matthew 7:12.

IS this golden, heavenly rule the foundation of my conduct to and dealing with others? Am I not only just, but loving and kind to all? Am I willing to deny myself to do them good, or even to promote their pleasure? In thought, word, and deed, do I endeavor to act toward all, as I would wish them to do toward myself? Do I as sacredly regard the feelings, reputation, property, and spiritual welfare of others, as I do my own?

If you would know whether your love to God be real, and not counterfeit, mark how you love your neighbor. By how much nearer you are to him in love, by so much the nearer you are to God.—CAUSSIN.

If this golden rule of Christ were but carried out by men, it would destroy avarice, envy, treachery, unkindness, evil-speaking, theft, adultery, murder, and every evil that afflicts society. It would make every man a happy man, and the wide world a happy world.

Oh! were this sacred maxim ours,

How oft life's thorns would change to flowers,

How many a cloud that round us lowers

Would half its darkness lose!

Love o'er our chequered, changeful way,

Would hold its sweet, yet potent sway,

Mighty as noontide's powerful ray

Yet soft as evening dews.—STORRS.