this dii-ection at all meets the case. The Corinthian Chmch was peculiarly proud of its "gift of tongues ; " its love was not so conspicuous. Our glorying is often false glorying. That which is most praised is not always the most praiseworthy. We are ~pt to prize most what we should prize least. To talk is not the chief thing; to be Is far more important. Talking power without love is noise without music, sounding brn.,;s, clanging cymbals. Heavenly language would lose its heavenliness without the royal grace. 2. The most extensive knowledge. Knowledge of the future, human knowledge, knowledge of the secret purposes of the Most High. To know is not enough. If the knowledge of the head does not rightly affect the heart it is thrown away. Knowledge is a splendid weapon, but it is in dangerous hands if it is not in those of love. We may know Christ-know very much about his person, his character, his work-and yet not be his. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy Name? . . . tben will I profess unto them, I never knew you" (Matt. vii. 22, 23). Balaam, Caiaphas, and Judas are illustrations. 3. Startling faith. Judas wrought miracles; but how less than nothiog, judged by true standards, was he! "\Vhat profit if other mountains be removed and the mountain of selfishness be left ! How sad to get so near the cross and to catch nothing of its spirit I Here is faith without the chief of works, which alone can prove its genuineness and power. Here is a faith which does not work by love, and is useless except for boast and display. 4. .Abounding charity. The worth of charity lies not in what we give, but in how we give. The object for which the gift is bestowed does not determine its value; the motive prompting the gift does. We may give "all our goods," and that to "feed the poor," and yet perform no virtuous action. We can give lavishly from motives which rob our charity of all its charitableness. Men who give without love do not give; they invest. It is not a spiritual act; it is a commercial speculation. They invest and expect a large return-it may be of distinction or applause, or something similarly self-tending. 5. Unlimited self-surrender. 'l.'hough the body be given to the flames, yet all may be "nothing." A man may go to tbe stake for Christianity, and yet know nothing; truly of Christ. 'l.'here is a •self-sacrifice which is no self- sacrifice. lllan bas fallen so low that he has originated false and wortbless martyrdoms. Jn later ceoturies the history of tbe Church was blotted by some who sought martyrdom from motives of notoriety and vain-glory. The martyr's crown may be sought by those who have not the martyr's spirit. The martyr is made, not by the bnrning of the body, but by the love which binds the truth to tbe heart, and will not let it go at aoy cost. II. WHY I'.l' IS THAT LIFE WITHOUT LOVE IS NOTHING. 1. Nothing can compensate for the moral quality. The motive is more than the deed. To do is nothing com• pared with to be. The internal is greater than the external. 2. Unless we have love we cannot be broucrht near to God. God is love. Love is of the Divine essence. Ii we are destitute ~f love we are destitute of that which is most conspicuous in God. When the great archangel fell he fell out of love. When we get power we do not grow away from Satan, nor when we get knowledge, nor when we do unusUJ1.l deeds from selfish motives. "\Vhen we get love we do. Love is never attributed to Satan; "love is of God." As we have love, so far we are like God. Satan has power, koowledgc, aod is doubtless willincr to sacrifice much to secure his own eods; if we have these, without love, we tend ~o grow into devils. Love is a _redeeming, consecrating quality, which, perva<liog deeds, gives to them a new and God-like character.-H.
Vers. 4-7.-Some characteristics of love. The apostle gives a very beautiful description of some of the qualities of love. True love is- I. PATIENT AND UNCOMl'LAINING. It: 1. "Suffereth long," under provocation and in.jury. 2. "Is not easily provoked." Is not irritable-not allied to anger. 3. " Beareth all thiogs." Is williog to bear burdens that others may be free. Rather bides than advertises injuries received. ·Does not revenge. 4. "Endureth all things." Nel!lect aod persecution in a calm and Christian spirit. II. KIND. Willing to perform good offices for others. Desires to be useful, obliging, helpful. Is kind after much suffering and ill usage. Is kiod when showing mercy. Some show mercy unlcindly, and utterly spoil the beauty of the deed. III. HuMDLE. (Yer. 4.) Does not lead to vaunUng,as the possc;sionofsuperne.lural ,oB. xm. 1-13.J THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. 451