The Thirteenth of October.

BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW --- John 13:35.

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." --- John 13:35.

"God is love; and every one that loveth is born of God:" if we love one another as brethren in Christ, and love all saints as saints, not because they are this or that party; and if we love, not in word only, but in deed, and show the truth by works and labours of love, this is a solid proof to ourselves and to others that we are real disciples of Jesus: it is a clear testimony that we have his Spirit and his love is shed abroad in our hearts; that we are of the family and household of faith, and shall enjoy all the family privileges.

This is a better eveidence, and more convincing to all around us, of what we are, than all knowledge, gifts, attainments, and outward priviliges whatever. O God of love, cause me to love thee, and all thine; the poor, the weak, and the feeble as well as the strong; for all are thine.

Let party names no more
The Christian world o'erspread;
Gentile and Jew, and bond and free,
Are one in Christ, their Head.

Among the saints on earth
Let mutual love be found;
Heirs of the same inheritance,
With mutual blessings crown'd.

Let envy and ill-will
Be banish'd far away;
Those should in strictest friendship dwell,
Who the same Lord obey.

Then will the church below
Resemble that above,
Where streams of pleasure overflow,
And every heart is love.

Devotion for October 13