October 24

"But if any man love God, the same is known of him." — 1 Corinthians 8:3.

It has been well remarked, that those spiritual lights have the purest radiance which are the least conscious of their own brightness; and those divine flowers diffuse the sweetest fragrance which make the least display. The higher the Christian rises in self-knowledge, the lower he sinks in his own estimation; "knowledge puffeth up, but charity," or Christian love, "edifieth." In this passage let us notice the character and privilege of a good man.

HIS CHARACTER. He loves God. Love to the Divine Being is the very essence and principle of true religion. Two things may be observed respecting this love.

Its extent. What does it include? A spiritual apprehension of God. We cannot feel any real regard for an unknown Deity — the choice of him as our portion — a high value and esteem for him — and a strong desire for nearer communion with him.

Its evidences. The possession of this principle will discover itself in various ways; if we possess it, we shall value nothing in comparison with God; we shall hate sin, breathe after holiness, desire to be more conformed to the Divine image, and more devoted to the Divine glory.

HIS PRIVILEGE. He is known of God. Consider

What it includes. More than a bare knowledge; this of itself is not necessarily a privilege; for in this sense the ungodly are known of him. It involves the Divine recognition, the Divine approval, and the Divine regard.

What it secures. Those who are thus known of God shall have his blessing to sweeten their common mercies, his grace to soothe their varied sorrows, the participation of his favor, the joys of his salvation, a public recognition at the last day, and a free admittance into the realms of glory. Remember, that knowledge in the head, without grace in the heart, is insufficient to evidence the Christian character.

"Thy favor, Lord, is all I want: Here woul I my spirit rest: Oh! seal the rich, the boundless grant. And make me fully blest."