d estimate of their own attractions and importance. There are
some junior Clergymen who are, if I do not mistake, prone to think that
most young ladies whom they meet are fascinated by them, or are at least
in imminent peril. Such delusions meet sometimes with not very gentle
corrections. But it is better to be forearmed against the delusion--as
it most probably _is_ a delusion in the given case. And the best
prophylactic is the old one; a secret walk with God "in the light," and
a recollection of the constant need of self-knowledge exactly where such
knowledge is least pleasant. I repeat it; may the Lord grant us each and
every one His true [Greek: gnothi seauton]. By a blessed paradox it is
sure to prove the secret of a true self-oblivion; for it means for
certain, among other things, a truer and fuller sight of HIM.

MATRIMONY OR CELIBACY?

The subject thus before us is a very large one. It connects itself with
the whole question whether marriage or celibacy is the will of God in
the man's ministerial life. Happily I have no need, in the Church of
England, to defend "the holy estate of matrimony" as if it were in the
slightest measure incompatible with the fullest sanctification of life
and of ministry. Personally my belief is that, in the immense majority
of cases, the married Clergyman is the more useful Clergyman _if_ (an
"if" of extreme importance) his wife is _altogether one with him in the
Lord_. But I distinctly think that there are very many exceptions to the
matrimonial rule. There are branches of ministerial work, particularly
in parts of the sacred _missionary_ field, where the single man seems to
make the better Minister. And no true servant of God will allow himself
to think first of an opening for marriage and then of an opening for
ministry.

"ONE IN THE LORD."

Here I pause to say what it lies much on my heart to say somewhere. Let
the true man, who is at present free in respect of marriage-engagements,
resolve that in the whole question of seeking or not seeking a wife he
will consider first, midst, and last his Master's work, his Master's
Ministry. Better a thousand times be the most solitary of human beings
than choose with your eyes open a married life in which you will not
find positive help (not merely no positive hindrance) in your work for
the Lord Jesus Christ. Beware of the temptation to seek the mere pretty
face, or the mere fortune large or small, or mere accomplishments, or
indeed any