When the noted Dr. George Shrady went on a vacation in the mountains he left orders not to be called to do professional work on any account. While resting in a hammock a barefoot boy accompanied by his grandmother came to him. “I could not keep him away, doctor,” said the aged woman, “he heard that you were here, that you were the greatest doctor in the whole world. He said that you could cure him and make him like other boys. I told him he had no money and could not come; that you would not bother with him, but he said he knew you would cure him. So here he is, sir.” The doctor, moved by his simple faith, helplessness, poverty and rags, prescribed for him. He gave him two weeks of careful treatment, at the end of which he was able to romp in the fields strong and well. When Thanksgiving came, the Doctor received by express a rude box. On opening it, he found a large turkey to which a card was attached with the words: “Dear Doctor: Here is a nice fat turkey for you. It’s the best I could send. I love you for your love to me.” The gift and message imparted a new feature in the doctor’s life. He saw rising above honor, riches or reputation, love, the summum bonum, the greatest thing in the world.
WHOM TO LOVE.
By creation and birth, we are members of one common family, and are under obligations to feel and care for each other. This principle is like a cord binding heart to heart. Where it exists it proves itself by the fruit it bears. “They do not love who do not show their love.” Love is often blind to faults and failings. “Love suffereth long and is kind.” (1 Cor. 13:4). While in battle Alexander the Great received a cut in the forehead, which left an ugly scar. Years after an eminent artist was requested to paint his portrait, but did not wish to show the scar. In order to make a perfect likeness and hide the deformity, he sketched the emperor leaning on his elbow, with his forefinger on his brow, thus covering the defect. So love, in tone, word, look and gesture, often “hideth a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20).
Love God. This should be the greatest aim of life. “God is love,” (1 John 4:8), and He commended “His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8). During the reign of terror in France a young man named Loizerolles was condemned to death. His aged father would not allow himself to be separated from his son, but accompanied him to prison. When the jailor a few days later presented himself at the door and called out the names of those who were to be executed, this aged man answered for his son who was asleep, and was led away to the scaffold. As that father gave his life for his son, Jesus gave His life that every boy should have life everlasting. For this consideration, should He not receive our love? Should we not love Him as He demands “with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the mind, and with all the strength?” (Mark 12:30).
Love your parents. Great is the love and many the sacrifices made by them for a child. From early morning till late at night they plan and labor for his welfare. Is it any more than right that he love them in return? To be disrespectful and ungrateful is to invite and incur God’s displeasure, but to be loving and dutiful is to gain heaven’s approval and increased parental affection. Filial reverence is one of the best evidences of a loving heart, and he who loves God loves his parents.
Love your enemies. No counsel need be given to love one’s friends, for friendship indicates love. To love an enemy seems hard, but it can be done, and nothing so changes enmity into friendship as love. Love cannot confine itself to the bosom that cherishes it. It must reveal itself in deeds of kindness. During the Revolutionary War, a Dunkard leader named Miller was grievously insulted by a man named Widman, who was afterwards sentenced to be hung as a British spy. Miller went a long distance to petition Washington to spare his life. The commander-in-chief said: “I would like to release Widman, because he is your friend; but I cannot, even for that consideration.” “Friend!” cried Miller, “why, he’s my worst enemy, and therefore I want to save him.”
“Love makes excuses where she might condemn;
Reviled by those that hate her, love prays for them;
Suspicion lurks not in her artless breast.
The worst suggested, she believes the best.