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Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

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Chapter 18<br />

True Love<br />

True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous<br />

passion. On <strong>the</strong> contrary, it is calm and deep in its<br />

nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is<br />

attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and<br />

discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding.<br />

God tests and proves us by <strong>the</strong> common<br />

occurrences of life. It is <strong>the</strong> little things which<br />

reveal <strong>the</strong> chapters of <strong>the</strong> heart. It is <strong>the</strong> little<br />

attentions, <strong>the</strong> numerous small incidents and simple<br />

courtesies of life, that make up <strong>the</strong> sum of life's<br />

happiness; and it is <strong>the</strong> neglect of kindly,<br />

encouraging, affectionate words, and <strong>the</strong> little<br />

courtesies of life, which helps compose <strong>the</strong> sum of<br />

life's wretchedness. It will be found at last that <strong>the</strong><br />

denial of self <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> good and happiness of those<br />

around us constitutes a large share of <strong>the</strong> life record<br />

in heaven. And <strong>the</strong> fact will also be revealed that<br />

<strong>the</strong> care of self, irrespective of <strong>the</strong> good and<br />

happiness of o<strong>the</strong>rs, is not beneath <strong>the</strong> notice of our<br />

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