A new commandment! And yet it is an old one with a new meaning. It is the
old water-pot, but its water has been changed into wine. It is the old
letter with a new spirit. It is the old body with a new soul. Love makes
all things new! It changes duty into delight, and statutes into songs.
What a magic difference love makes to a face. It at once becomes a face
illumined. Love makes the plainest face winsome and attractive. It adds
the light of heaven, and the earthly is transfigured. No cosmetics are
needed when love is in possession. She will do her own beautifying work,
and everybody will know her sign.
What a magic difference love makes in service! The hireling goes about his
work with heavy and reluctant feet: the lover sings and dances at his
toil. The hireling scamps his work: the lover is always adding another
touch, and is never satisfied. Just one more touch! And just another! And
so on until the good God shall say that loving "patience has had her
perfect work."
Love lights up everything, for she is the light of life. Let her dwell in
the soul, and every room in the life shall be filled with the glory of the
Lord.