LOVE
" Love as brethren." —I Peter 3:8 [KJV] Love without reason is a mad passion. Profession without love, is but "a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal;" unmeaning noise to others; unprofiting to him that makes it. Love is of God. It is that precious ointment that is poured forth from the Father of love upon the head of our spiritual Aaron, and runs down to the skirts of His garment, even upon all His brethren, the children of love. Love descends from God, through Jesus, to us, spreads itself among the brethren, and ascends in grateful odours to the God of love. The prophet asks, "Have we not all one Father?" —Malachi 2:10 . Yes, saith our elder brother, "I ascend unto My Father, and your Father." —John 20:17 . Hence the Holy Spirit draws the image of Jesus, "the first born of the many brethren," upon each of their souls; and possesses them with the faith of Jesus. "And whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of Go