TWO young Christians lived for some time in the same family, the one as governess to the children, the other as companion to the aged grandmother, and were, in consequence, much thrown together. The young governess, who was, in every sense of the word, alone in the world, conceived a most ardent affection for the companion, who, while she loved her friend, yet did so with far less apparent ardor. Time passed on. The governess at length possessed a home of her own, in which her early friend was ever a most welcome guest. During one of these visits, the companion, whose health had given way, suffered almost unceasingly the most acute pain. One day she proposed that they should pray together. They did so, and for the first time alone. The effect was wonderful, and not ever to be forgotten by either. Kneeling thus together, close to God, His love was in an especial way shed abroad in their hearts.
It could hardly be otherwise, for now they had come mutually and consciously in contact with Him, who is Love—its very fountain—of whose fullness of love we evermore receive when we thus approach Him. The friendship, however true, is not perfect which is unconsecrated by prayer ; and the friends, who have not introduced God into their love, have yet the only satisfying and the sweetest joy of love to taste. When once the feeling of restraint—which often prevents even Christian friends from treating God as a Friend to be spoken to not only in secret— is removed, there is also removed all let or hindrance to true Christian love.
The story of Naomi and her two young daughters-in-law is a beautiful instance of the power of divine love to develop and intensify a human affection. The words—"Thy God shall be my God "—betray the secret of the ardent and persistent love of Ruth. She slave unto Naomi, while Orpah kissed her, and returned to her people and her gods.
And that love, too, between David and Jonathan, which was wonderful, passing even the love of women, was it not because of "the Lord between me and thee," as Jonathan touchingly expressed it? Did not Jonathan "strengthen David's hand in God"? Was it not "the kindness of the Lord" which he asked from David for himself and his house? And was it not "the kindness of God" which David gave? No merely youthful human love could ever have attained such strength.
And how willing the Lord is to join the company of friends! Not less so now than on that Lord's. Day evening long ago, when He drew near to the two who were journeying towards Emmaus. How wise were they to pray Him to abide with them! And scarcely less sweet is meeting with the Lord in the society of one beloved, than all alone. It was happy to be Mary, who saw Him all alone and first that sacred day; but happy as well to be these two whose hearts He made to burn within them. "A threefold cord is not quickly broken." Love in the Lord is the sweetest and intensest love. E. B—R.