December 8

PART IV.—John 21:17.

LOVE to Jesus will be connected with the most delightful results. It will associate us with the most endearing friendships. Then will angels behold us with complacency and delight, for they cheerfully minister to the heirs of salvation; and by love to Jesus, we come to a state of happy fellowship with them. But love to Jesus will secure to us the friendship of God. Hence the Saviour said, "If a man love me, my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23.). And what is comparable to the love of God? To be loved of God, and to enjoy his friendship, is better than life. Then love to Jesus, will render us the subjects of many great and precious promises. There is the promise of grace, which implies all necessary good, to those who love Jesus in sincerity and in truth. It is also said, that "All things work together for their good." There is also a crown of life laid up for all that love him (James 1:12.). Indeed, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into man's heart to conceive, what the Lord hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9.). On the other hand, there is that fearful passage, which is addressed to all those who are strangers to this holy affection, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha;" that is, accursed when Christ shall come (I Cor. xvi. 22.). Love to Jesus can alone qualify us for the glory of heaven. Jesus is the only object of attraction in that blessed world. None can dwell there, and engage in the services of that temple, but those who can feel and join in that rapturous song, "Unto him who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, be glory and dominion for ever" (Revelation 1:5-6.).

"Give me thyself, from every boast,

From every wish set free;

Let all I am in thee be lost,

But give thyself to me."

"Thy gifts alas! cannot suffice,

Unless thyself be given;

Thy presence makes my paradise,

And where thou art is heaven."