fails.

"Fairest and foremost of the trains that wait
On man's most dignified and happiest state,
Whether we name thee Charity or Love,
Chief grace below, and all in all above."--_Cowper._

Joy.

The second mentioned fruit of the Spirit is joy. God is glorified by our
fruit-bearing. To be filled with joy is honoring God. Not rejoicing only
when the world is smiling upon you and prosperity extends her jeweled
hand. At these times the ungodly can rejoice. But when the world frowns
and prosperity hides her face, when trials and temptations are divers, to
then rejoice is a golden fruit for God. Tribulations may come, but, when
filled with the Spirit, we glory in them. Rom. 5:3. O beloved, look upward
to God and rejoice. Trust in his promise and count everything joy, no
matter what may be the circumstances of life. Trials, temptations,
discouragements, afflictions, imprisonments, persecutions, destruction,
and poverty--know that nothing can separate you from the love of God; so go
on your way rejoicing.

Peace.

Jesus sets up his throne of peace in the hearts of the righteous and there
he reigns a king. Peace he gives unto us, not as this world gives, but a
peace that flows like a river--a peace that is abiding. "Acquaint thyself
with God and be at peace." Listen to what the Word of God says about the
peace of the righteous. "Great peace have they;" "Thou wilt keep him in
perfect peace;" "Peace like a river;" "Filled with all peace and joy."

A precious fruit, which the Christian should develop by placing greater
confidence in God.

Long-Suffering.

"With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one
another in love." Eph. 4:2. When we put on Christ, we put on his nature
and characteristics. He was long-suffering; and we are commanded to put on
as the elect of God "bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, long-suffering." Col. 3:12.

Gentleness.

The apostle speaks of his gentleness on one occasion in these words: "But
we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." 1
Thes. 2:7. "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto
all men." 2 Tim. 2:24. "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but
gentle, showing all meekness unto all men." Tit. 3:2. That wisdom which is
from above is gentle. Jas. 3:17. Cultivate the grace of gentleness and
thus glorify God.

Goodness.

"For the fruit of the Spirit is i