we can have as much happiness as our own disposition is
capable of by a self-seeking life. Now, when we are in a mood to compare
our own happiness with that of other men, our own happiness must
obviously be at a low ebb; but when we resent the prosperity of the
wicked, we should remember that, though they may flourish like the green
bay tree, their fruit does not remain: living for themselves, their
fruit departs with themselves, their good is interred with their bones.
But it is also to be considered that we should never allow ourselves to
get the length of putting this question or of comparing our happiness
with that of others. For we can only do so when we are ourselves
disappointed and discontented and have missed the joy of life; and this
again can be only when we have ceased to live lovingly for others.

But this one essential of Christian service and human freedom--how are
we to attain it? Is it not the one thing which seems obstinately to
stand beyond our grasp? For the human heart has laws of its own, and
cannot love to order or admire because it ought. But Christ brings, in
Himself, the fountain out of which our hearts can be supplied, the fire
which kindles all who approach it. No one can receive His love without
sharing it. No one can dwell upon Christ's love for him and treasure it
as his true and central possession without finding his own heart
enlarged and softened. Until our own heart is flooded with the great and
regenerating love of Christ, we strive in vain to love our fellows. It
is when we fully admit it that it overflows through our own satisfied
and quickened affections to others.

And perhaps we do well not too curiously to question and finger our
love, making sure only that we are keeping ourselves in Christ's
fellowship and seeking to do His will. Affection, indeed, induces
companionship, but also companionship produces affection, and the honest
and hopeful endeavour to serve Christ loyally will have its reward in a
deepening devotion. It is not the recruit but the veteran whose heart is
wholly his chief's. And he who has long and faithfully served Christ
will not need to ask where his heart is. We hate those whom we have
injured, and we love those whom we have served; and if by long service
we can win our way to an intimacy with Christ which no longer needs to
question itself or test its soundness, in that service we may most
joyfully engage. For what can be a happier consummation than to find