FIRST LOVE. — We are in perilous times, and seducers are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Nothing but first love will keep us. I have thought lately that there is a very close connection between Rev. 3:55He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5) and 19:8. In few words, though the subject is a wide one, I think that “first works” (the fruits of first love to Christ) are the only approved ones in that glad day. First love thinks only of Him, and does all to Him, —. small things or great. Love to souls is in itself right, but that may become first; then it is not right. And only what is right will adorn the bride in that day. Oh, to love Him because He first loved us, and never to forget that He loved me when I had no love for Him!
A WORD OF COMFORT. — NO chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous. There is an “afterward,” and the Lord waiteth for the “peaceable fruit.” Looking unto Jesus, and not forgetful of the exhortation which speaketh unto us as unto children, are the blessed consolations which the Spirit ministers to us in all our sorrows and difficulties. Everything distasteful to the natural man works for good to the spiritual life.
X.
Acts 9:1616For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:16). — “How great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” This was said of the apostle who did more than any other. But what he suffered was of greater consequence than what he did in the eyes of the All-loving and All-wise. It is needless to point out the exceeding beauty of this striking fact. But how it reveals the finger of the Holy Spirit! Surely an uninspired writer would have rather revealed his great deeds.
R. B. JR.