Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 1.pdf/27

 is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." O what great and cheering truths are expressed in these few words! for if upon these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets, how easy are the conditions of entering into life. The love of God, as constantly manifested to his universal creation—to angels in heaven and to men on earth—is a theme which fills every human breast with joy and gladness, giving birth to the songs of angels and the praise of men. The love of God to us breathes nothing but universal good; it is the life of creation which, by truth, rules over all, as the Prince of Peace! In his soul we live, move, and are.

O my soul, love thou Him who first loved thee! and let thy praise ascend like sweet incense to Him whose love first gave thee life, whose wisdom directs thy steps, and whose power can bless thee for ever! To love God really, is to love those divine qualities which He has put forth to the children of men. It is not a mere personal or selfish love, on account of his doing great things for us; for remember. O man! that the love of God is shed abroad in thy heart only when thou lovest all that is good, pure, holy, and true. These are the divine qualities of thy Father in the heavens—these constitute the esse, or being, of Deity; and if thou love these with all thy heart, soul, and strength, thou wilt be found to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God; then, verily thou shalt eat the good of the land, and be blessed for evermore.

The love of our neighbour is similar to the love of God; for it is not personal, without any regard to