Chapter XXVIII Be Loving
Introduction to Chapter XXVIII
Love is the root of creation; God’s essence.—Longfellow.
Love! what things are wrapped up in this word. Joy is love exulting. Peace is love in repose. Long suffering is love untiring. Gentleness is love enduring. Temperance is love in training. Meekness is love under discipline. Goodness is love in action. Therefore my boy be loving, for “not to know love is not to live.”
—C. C. Cissell.
It has been well said that the three elements of manliness are love, principle and courage. Every boy knows that without the two latter he cannot succeed. But boys are too apt to think that to “be loving” belongs to girls. Analyze a great man’s character and you will find love is the main-spring of his action. To be loving and lovable will give him a stamp which will pass current the world over.