chords in our beings set in motion. We are sure to despair of ever
becoming worthy of Him. But no leader of men was ever so willing to
take us as we are and make the best of us. To be near Him may mean
being made to feel deeply ashamed. In His presence we are sure to feel
small and mean. But that also is a good thing, and in spite of it He
loves us. In other directions we seek with longing to find love,
and often fail. With Him we may be quite sure of finding love. And He
goes on loving to the end.

Being loved by Him does at last draw out the best in us. Inevitably we
begin to want to be more worthy--to serve and love others for His
sake--to know and love the truth--to find and worship beauty. And that
means having a life full of splendid and worthy interests.

Emotional muddles may in fact be the lot of most of us for a while. But
if at the center of them all there is an honest love for Christ, they
cannot overwhelm us; and in the long run we are sure to emerge into the
life that has both peace and power in it.





CHAPTER IX


INVOLUNTARY CELIBACY


Modern England has for many generations been a place so unhealthy for