Love, the Fulfilling of the Law.
By Elias Styles
Among all the qualifications necessary to prepare us for happiness in any world or sphere of being, love is pre-eminent. It is the great and fundamental principle of the law of God, in this or any other sphere. It is the fulfilling of the law, and comprehends in substance all that is enjoined in scripture. It is easy to see how this love going forth supremely and continually in active exercise toward God, and comprehending in its wide and warm embrace all intelligent beings, with an affection as sincere and ardent as that which seeks its own good will lay the foundation of true and substantial bliss and make each one the promoter, as well as the recipient, of happiness. Though it may not now be known what our full enjoyment may be, still we know that our happiness will be complete; we know that this perfect love to God and man will unite all hearts as one and gather them harmoniously around the throne of Jehovah to pay their devotion and rejoice in others' good, and to perform any service God may require, or circumstances demand. Love, then, must be an essential element in bringing us with the many sons and daughters of Adam to share in the blessings which God has promised to the faithful. Oh! yes, that perfect love to our kind heavenly Father will drive away all fears. The command which enjoins it came from the lips of him who spake from the summit of Sinai. But where love is wanting there must be alienation, variance, hatred, and every evil work. Hence God in great kindness, sent his Son to die for us; and this, with the renewing of his Spirit and the power of his truth, giving signs by which we may know that we have it, should beget within us a hungering and thirsting for undying love. But love stands not alone. It is not inactive, but it bears fruit unto eternal life. We need more of it. We should have more of it toward Him who has loved us and hath given his life for us. Then we shall love his appearing. Yours, in the bond of love.
ELIAS STYLES.
North Liberty, Ind.