But it is clear that it is in the region of our affections that the
greatest risks of all have to be run. By loving, we render
ourselves liable to the darkest and heaviest fears. Yet here, I
believe, we ought to have no doubt at all; and the man who says to
himself, "I should like to bestow my affection on this person and
on that, but I will keep it in restraint, because I am afraid of
the suffering which it may entail,"--such a man, I say, is very far
from the kingdom of God. Because love is the one quality which, if
it reaches a certain height, can altogether despise and triumph
over fear. When ambition and delight and energy fail, love can
accompany us, with hope and confidence, to the dark gate; and thus
it is the one thing about which we can hardly be mistaken. If love
does not survive death, then life is built upon nothingness, and we
may be glad to get away; but it is more likely that it is the only
thing that does survive.
XIX
SIN
It is every one's duty to take himself seriously--that is the right
mean between taking oneself either solemnly or apologetically.
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