Christ preferable to all.

Back to Divine Breathings!

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My life is sweet—but Christ must be sweeter to me than my life! My soul is precious—but Christ must be dearer to me than my soul! My salvation is great—but Christ must be more to me than my salvation. Christ must be loved above all; for without him there would be . . .
no arms of mercy to receive me, 
no heaven of bliss to entertain me, 
no weight of glory to crown me.

As it is a sign of carnal love to follow Christ for loaves—so it is a sign of a mercenary love to seek Christ for a reward. It is but an adulterate affection that affects the present more than the person, loves the ring more than the beloved. That choice cannot be sincere—which aims only at a portion; that love cannot be real—which aims only at a benefit.