February 5

"Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." — Ephesians 6:21.

THIS is a good finish to Paul's letter to the Ephesians. He concludes as he commences, by expressing a wish that those to whom he wrote might be in the enjoyment of God's grace.

THE TITLES ASCRIBED TO THE SAVIOUR. Here we have

His essential dignity. "Lord." The divinity of Christ is one of the brightest gems in the cabinet of truth. He is the Lord of all: sceptres, thrones, monarchs, princes, dominions, and powers, are all subject to him.

His official character. "Jesus," the Saviour. How sweet his name to the awakened soul! It is as ointment poured forth, so reviving and cheering. His blood secures our pardon in the sight of God, and sanctifies the heart.

His mediatorial qualification. "Christ," that is, the Anointed. The Spirit was given without measure to him, as our Head and Representative.

THE LOVE EXPERIENCED BY THE CHRISTIAN.

It is real in its nature: "in sincerity." This is the very soul of religion; a heart attracted with, and fixed on Christ.

It is superlative in its degree. Love, when creatures are the objects of it, should be like ordinary rivers, kept within banks and bounds; but when God is the object of it, it should overflow like the Nile, and spread like a sea without limit. God loves a broken, but not a divided heart.

It is active in its operations. Where the love of Christ is shed abroad in the heart, it will have a powerful influence in the life. If the fire of love is kindled within, the flames of zeal will burn without.

THE DESIRE EXPRESSED BY THE APOSTLE. It showed a Christian and a catholic spirit. What was its nature? The blessing he implored for his believing friends was grace; not in the possession, but in the continuance. Those who love Christ have grace, but he wished them to have more grace. What was its extent? "All that loved Christ." Here is nothing like a sectarian spirit. Paul's heart and hands were open to receive and embrace all the followers of Jesus, irrespective of their outward station in life, or their peculiar views of truth. So let it be with us: let us cheerfully take by the hand all who hold the Head.

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