Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/140

 If his ruling love be that of love to God above all things, from whence springs love to his neighbour; if his affections dwell with delight upon all that is pure, good, and heavenly; if he feel an inward pleasure in cultivating the heavenly graces of meekness, tenderness, compassion, and mercy to his fellow-men, and earnestly desires to promote their present and eternal happiness; if his understanding be stored with the truths of the everlasting Gospel, and if he feel a consolation and delight in dwelling upon its sacred subjects,—he may know that the kingdom of God is within him!

When the divine love and wisdom of God rule and govern in the soul, they effect a thorough change within. All our motives and affections, which were formerly selfish and impure, become disinterested and pure; and the holy fire of love to God and man, diffuses throughout the soul its sacred heat, giving heavenly life and vigour to every motive, affection, and external act. The understanding also experiences the blessed effects of the divine government; all its powers of reflection and thought are drawn nearer to God, the source of all wisdom. The sacred truths of revelation have revealed to him the boundless love and compassion of his Creator; the nature of heaven and its joys, and the true constitution of his own soul. In the possession of this love and knowledge, he is tranquil and happy, he has a peace and confidence within, which nothing on earth can disturb or shake! for this peace and confidence the world gave not, therefore it cannot take them away. There is no peace to equal that which is enjoyed by that happy being who has the kingdom of God within.