Many years ago, before there were any railroads, people used to travel by boat and by horseback. In those far-away days, everyone who visited the town of Cincinnati came by boat.
One sunny afternoon a boat arrived from Pittsburg. There was a company of people on board who were coming to live in Cincinnati, and they had friends who were waiting for the boat to dock. As soon as the new corners stepped on shore, they were surrounded by friends and warmly welcomed.
But in that company which had just arrived, there was one who was a stranger. He had no friends, or anyone who knew him in Cincinnati. He had been feeling rather lonely as the boat came down the river, but he felt ten times more lonely now. What would he do? The crowd was beginning to scatter, and suddenly he called out,
“Friends, if there are any of you who love the Lord Jesus Christ, I am your brother.”
In a moment, half a dozen of them were at his side. They welcomed hint to Cincinnati, and to their homes. How different he felt now! Instead of being lonely, he felt quite at home, because he had found those who loved the Lord Jesus Christ.
How real and precious is the bond that is felt between those who belong to the Lord Jesus. Can you say that you are a brother or sister to those who love the Lord Jesus? Do you like to Le in the company of those who wish to talk about Him? Remember, the Word of God says, “Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.” 1 Peter 2:77Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (1 Peter 2:7).
ML 03/18/1951