"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all
knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not
love, I am nothing." 1 Cor. 13:2
We must come back to the first principles of practical piety, and
cultivate the passive virtues of the Christian character. We must remember
that Christianity is being like Christ, and that unless we partake of that
love which is patient and kind, which does not envy, nor boast, nor is
proud, nor rude, nor self-seeking, nor easily angered, which keeps no
record of wrongs—we are nothing!
Strange indeed it is, that men, who by their own confession are lost,
vile, ruined, helpless sinners—should lack HUMILITY; and that they who
believe themselves to be saved from hell by unmerited mercy—should be
destitute of LOVE!
We must crucify that selfishness, which fixes upon its own gratification,
and cherish that expansive benevolence which looks upon the good of
others. We must contend to be lowest—not to be highest! We must seek to
please, and not merely to be pleased.
Let us remember that HUMILITY and LOVE are
the necessary fruits of our doctrines,
the highest beauty of our character, and
the guardian angels of our churches!