October 1

The greatest of these is charity. - 1 Corinthians 13:13.

ALL the daughters of religion do virtuously, but charity excelleth them all:-“The greatest of these is charity;” and this will abundantly appear from the testimony and authority of Scripture. There is the authority of God, whose judgment is always according to truth.

Are these words the words of Paul, and did he speak as he was moved by the Holy Ghost? Then unquestionably the greatest of these is charity. What besides, in these inspired records, has such titles and commendations? It is called “a new commandment.” It is urged by new motives, enforced by a dignified example,-an example the most complete and motives the most powerful. It is called “the bond of perfectness.”

What grace is there besides this of which it is said, “It is the fulfilling of the law”? Is this ever said of faith or hope? It is the end of the gospel as well as of the law; and therefore the apostle says, “The end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” “This is the commandment, that ye believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.”

This is what is called the “law of faith,” the badge by which others judge of the followers of Christ:-“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,-if ye have love one to another.” It is the test by which ye are to judge yourselves. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren;” and in the proceedings of the last day it will govern the decision of the Judge of all.

For upon this the sentence will finally turn; graciously as to the righteous, but meritoriously as to the wicked. “Then shall the King say, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto these my brethren, ye did it not unto me.”