ment, not because it bad never been given before, but because it was to be more honored, to occupy a higher position, to be backed by a higher example than it ever had been before. Above all, it was to be the test of Christianity before the world. " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Let us take heed that this w^ell-known Christian grace is not merely a notion in our heads, but a prac- tice in our lives. Of all the commands of our Master there is none which is so much talked about and so little obeyed as this. Yet, if we mean anything when we profess to have charity and love toward all men, it ought to be seen in our tempers and our words, our bearing and our doing, our behavior at home and abroad, our conduct in every relation of life. Specially it ought to show itself forth in all our dealing with other Christians. We should regard them as brethren and sisters, and de- light to do anything to promote their happiness. "We should abhor the idea of envy, malice, and jealousy to- wards a member of Christ, and regard it as a downright sin. This is what our Lord meant when He told us to love one another.
Christ's cause in the earth would prosper far more than it does if this simple law was more honored. There is nothing that the world understands and values more than true charity. The very men who cannot comprehend doctrine, and know nothing of theology, can appreciate charity. It arrests their attention, and makes them think. For the world's sake, if for no other cause, let us follow after charity more and more.
These verses show us, lastly, how much self-igiiorance. there may he in the heart of a true believer. We see Si- mon Peter declaring that he was ready to lay down his life for his Master. We see his Master tellino: him that