Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven the same is my brother and sister and mother. Matt. 12 50.

BROTHERLY LOVE

“Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister and mother.” Matt. 12, 50.

Though sects and parties here below

Throughout the Christian Church abound;

And fierce dissensions wider grow,

And little harmony is found!

Though numerous are the names which reign

And make our outward union vain,

Whoever does my Father’s will

I love him as my brother still.

Those who make God their surest friend,

And make His word their only guide —

Who on Christ’s finished work depend,

And know no other hope beside —

Who trust the Spirit’s power alone

To change and melt their hearts of stone —

All who thus do my Father’s will

I love them as my brethren still.

Some points of faith they may not view,

With vision just the same as mine,

And things which I regard as true

May not to them appear divine;

Our outward forms may disagree,

And many rites may different be,

Yet if they do my Father’s will

I love them as my brethren still.

In truth’s great cause we may be bold,

And spread it ardently abroad —

Our high profession is but cold

Till we love all the sons of God;

If we no such affections feel.

Empty and vain is all our zeal,

We never do our Father’s will

Unless we love as brethren still.

O may this union wider grow,

And join our hearts in fervent love!

So shall the Christian Church below

Resemble that in heaven above;

Until we reach that happy land

May we be one united band,

For ’tis our heavenly Father’s will

That all should love as brethren still.

Gospel Magazine