"Well, what has that to do with health and long life?" ask the cynic, the
bachelor, the old maid possibly, and the plodders.
Everything, I reply.
The man, woman, or child who loves well and wisely, who loves the most, is
the happiest, healthiest, and will live the longest.
"That is a bold assertion," says my quizzer.
Yes, and true as bold. Now listen in silence to my statement.
Who loves, what loves, and what is the result?
"God is love." Here is the first, the fundamental principle.
He is the oldest of all beings. To be like him is to love,--to love all
things which he has created. This is Godlike. If you are not thus, you are
like the ungodly, who "shall not live out half their days." "Love God, and
keep his commandments."
"Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Is there not more happiness and health in the obeying of this command,
than in disobedience to it? Whatever is conducive to happiness is
healthful. Whatever produces unhappiness is injurious to health. Love is
undefinable.
"There is a fragrant blossom that maketh glad the garden of the heart.
Its root lieth deep; it is delicate, yet lasting as the lilac-crocus of
autumn.
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