Beloved Brethren and Kind Readers: As I meditate tonight on the works and ways of God, and the duty of His beloved church, my heart goes out in humble love to Jesus and to you, with desire to speak to you of that peace which is the "fruit of the Spirit." And I pray God to increase my faith and love, subdue my pride, and lead me by His Spirit and word to be ever loyal to Him, and kind and loving to all.

Observe, this peace is not forced upon us contrary to our will and prayer--it is given. God makes us willing, gives prayer and then gives peace to those who truly desire it. "My peace I give unto you." Sweet peace! Precious gift of Jesus! Thus you see, oh believer, that peace is as truly a blessing from God as any spiritual or natural benefit we enjoy. Then let us continually pray for the "peace of Jerusalem." It is only in obedience we are encouraged to hope for peace or any other blessing. How rich in mercy, when our God out of great grace and forbearance does often bless us even while we are sinning against Him, with fair bodily health, spiritual restraints from wrong thoughts, jesting or speaking evil of others, etc; yet, we know from the Scriptures and our own experience that sin separates between us and God, and in obedience we enjoy the more comfortable blessings of peace and love. "If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love." Jno. xv. 10. Being led of the Spirit to turn from sin, (Rom. viii. 14,) and obey the commandments of God, (I Jno. iii. 24,) we are blessed in the deed. Jas. i. 25. Praise the Lord in loving obedience, we enjoy peace with God and peace with men.

Oh brethren, the one thing needful to remove contention and promote peace is love. The key note by which the sweet music of peace in our souls, and peace in the church must be enjoyed is love. We want more of that love which is proven by loyal obedience to Christ. For true love is an attribute of God and constrains unto prayer, virtue, kindness, patience, and the avoidance of strife and an overbearing disposition. Such true love is the gift of God, and is followed by peace.

Oh brethren, from love and duty to God and His church, let us avoid hobbies and their extremes. If others become extreme on any subject, let us not be hasty in word or deed; but let us be patient and kind, "clothed" and in our "right mind." God bless you. Yours in love and tribulation, 

M.D. DENMAN.     Sparta, Tex.