"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." --- John 13:35.
"God is love; and every one that loveth is born of God:" if we love one another as brethren in Christ, and love all saints as saints, not because they are this or that party; and if we love, not in word only, but in deed, and show the truth by works and labours of love, this is a solid proof to ourselves and to others that we are real disciples of Jesus: it is a clear testimony that we have his Spirit and his love is shed abroad in our hearts; that we are of the family and household of faith, and shall enjoy all the family privileges.
This is a better eveidence, and more convincing to all around us, of what we are, than all knowledge, gifts, attainments, and outward priviliges whatever. O God of love, cause me to love thee, and all thine; the poor, the weak, and the feeble as well as the strong; for all are thine.
Let party names no more
The Christian world o'erspread;
Gentile and Jew, and bond and free,
Are one in Christ, their Head.
Among the saints on earth
Let mutual love be found;
Heirs of the same inheritance,
With mutual blessings crown'd.
Let envy and ill-will
Be banish'd far away;
Those should in strictest friendship dwell,
Who the same Lord obey.
Then will the church below
Resemble that above,
Where streams of pleasure overflow,
And every heart is love.