A Decaying Root Has Withering Branches

“As when the root of a tree perisheth, the leaves keep g7’eenfor a little, but within a while they wither and fall off; so love, which is the root and heart of all other duties, when that decay eth, other things decay with it. The first works go off with the first love; at least, are not carried on with such care, and delight, and cojnplacency, as they should be” Swiftly other works follow, withering in their turn; for the fatal blow has been struck, and failure of every good thing is but a matter of time. Could the love of saints to Jesus utterly die out, all their virtues must die also, for love is the root of all. The outward form of piety might survive, as the wretched counterfeit of holiness, but what would be its worth? Even this in many cases passes away, for some men are bravely consistent in their wickedness, and do not care to keep up the name to live when the life of God is not within their souls.

Our main concern must be as to the root. The heart must be alive with gracious gratitude, or the leaf cannot long be green with living holiness. How is it with thee, my soul? Is there root-life in thee? Is Jesus precious y Is the Father’s name most sweet? Does the Holy Spirit move thee to ardent affection? A chill love, whose very existence is questionable, means a miserable experience. He who doubts his own love to Jesus generally doubts Jesus’ love to him. O love, be thou the living root in me, and, through thy quickening and nourishing energy, may the branches of my consecrated life grow exceedingly!