Rest in the Lord. This thought comes home to me more than it used to do. I like to bring all the perplexities of life--the thoughts and feelings which I can explain to no one--of some of which I cannot say whether they are right or wrong, or where the right shades into wrong--and to leave them with Him to develop (if right), to sift, to correct. What a blank life would be without God! . . .
Easter brings fresh hope and life. It is glorious to begin existence in a world which has been redeemed. I am sure--since He rose and defeated death--we ought to trust to life, to delight in it. 'I am the Life.'
Breathe in the fresh air. It is one of the best gifts that the good God has bestowed upon us. We want fresh air not only in our lungs but all through, if I may say so, our being. I long to be more natural and happy--not that I wish for 'religious happiness,' but something quite different--the happiness which comes in the right exercise of power and in conscious dependence upon Him in whom we live.
_In reply to a letter from H. P., a master at Clifton College, who was in doubt whether he ought to resign his mastership and go down to the College Mission in Bristol._
Christ's College, Cambridge: May 1, 1901.
I have not had time to think over the matter yet, but my first feeling is that you ought to be very slow to move. If men in your position, who feel keenly interested in the highest welfare of their pupils and long to influence them in spiritual matters, all go away to parish work, what is to become of our public school boys? Masters are only too anxious to leave for more 'directly spiritual' work, as they say. But in doing so they leave a work of exceptional difficulty and importance behind, and who is to take their place? I understand and appreciate your feelings, but I am not at all sure that you have any call to go.
How much directly 'spiritual' work have you with the boys? Could you, if you desired, get more?
I will pray over the matter. Do be slow before you decide to leave. I believe you ought to stay, { 146} although it may be more difficult to maintain your own spiritual life and ideals in a school than in a parish. You may be doing more good than you know. It is easier to find men to do parish work than to do school work of the highest kind.