Love is ever open and communicative; it conceals nothing from the object beloved, which may profit or comfort the mind. ‘Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do,’ saith the God of love, concerning his friend. Gen. 18:37. Of those that follow the Lamb he saith, ‘Ye are my friends.’ Servants are not made acquainted with their master’s secrets, but friends are. Therefore saith Jesus, the great interpreter of covenant love, ‘All things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you.’ John 15:15. Children shall not be chastised, but they shall be told of the Father’s kindness and mercy in it. Love is ever in his heart, though wrath may appear in his conduct.

One is sometimes called to bear testimony before unbelievers, of the hope that is in us. It is difficult to speak of the manifestation of Christ to the heart, so that the Saviour alone may be exalted and glorified: somewhat of self naturally creeps into the relation. It is very pleasing to nature to be esteemed as one highly favoured, and to have made great attainments in Christianity. Oh that single letter, with great sound, I! But it was farthest from the heart of Paul, that eminent champion for free-grace salvation, to give the least encouragement from his conversion to any fellow sinner to talk of obedience to God’s call, or faithfulness to his