Reasons for Loving Jesus.
By Mary M. Cook
I love my dear Saviour because he first loved me, and shed his precious blood that I and all the fallen race who will, may inherit eternal life. Oh how highly I prize this great and glorious plan of salvation! And I am trying to render the gratitude of my heart to this lovely Being, who suffered the agonies of death that I might enjoy so rich a boon. I love my Saviour for the joy he bestows when I maintain communion with him. I love him for his sustaining power to bear me up in all my trials. When with care and sorrow my heart droops like the willow, he calls to me, I look, and by an eye of faith I view him whom my soul loveth. His dear promises126opened anew to my weakened vision, quiet the turbulent emotions of my heart. All is well, and I "draw from Heaven that calm repose that none but he who feels it knows." I fall at his feet helpless as a child, begging his holy protection. He hears my weak petitions and is so near to me I almost think I lean on his mighty arm. Oh what a privilege! Every anxious care gone, and I bathing in the pure atmosphere of Heaven, with every thought subdued to his holy will. Oh who would not love such a kind Saviour! Who could help loving such a lovely being, so richly bestowing his choicest blessings upon us! Oh I am charmed with his matchless worth. His loveliness is past description. His comeliness and beauty, oh, how great! The more I commune with him the better I love him, the brighter his glories shine. Sandyville, Iowa, Feb. 1865.