December 6

PART II.—John 21:17.

IF we find that we do love Jesus, then it is desirable that we ascertain the degree and extent of our attachment to him. Love to Jesus should be ardent. It should not be a faint and feeble feeling, but as a holy flame burning with intense ardour on the altar of our souls. Love to Jesus should also be supreme. Other objects may and ought to be loved, but Christ should have the supremacy, the entire pre-eminence. He should have the throne of our most hallowed affections, and no rival should divide his sway, and we shall sing,

"Had we a thousand hearts to give, Lord, they should all be thine."

Love to Jesus should be constant. Constancy is that alone which gives worth to affection: without this, there can be no confidence or complacent delight. Jesus requires our love always, and on all occasions: not merely under seasons of prosperity and excitement, but in adversity, and insickness; yea he requires love that will outlive death, and that many waters cannot quench. Finally, he expects our love to be progressive. We must grow in love — abound in love — walk in love; and rise into this holy atmosphere, until we are perfected in love, and completely meet for that world, where all is one blessed, uninterrupted, and eternal scene of love.

"Thou, O love my portion art, Lord thou know'st my earnest heart. Other comforts I despise, Love be all my paradise."