On SomeDifficulties ofthe Inner Life.^49
which is called yoga. Thus the existence of
the lawbecomesto usnot a theorybuta con-
viction,andwegraduallylearnsomethingofthe
peaceoftheSelf.
Itmaybewellalso forustorealisethatthe
way in which we face and live through this
trial of inner darknessand deadnessis one of
the surest testsof spiritual evolution. "What
worldlyman is there thatwould not willingly
receive spiritual joy and comfort if he could
alwayshaveIt? Forspiritual comfortsexceed
allthe delightsof theworld and the pleasures
of theflesh.... But no man canalways
enjoy these divine comforts according to hisdesire; forthetimeof trialisneverfaraway.
... Arenotallthosetobecalledmercenary
who are ever seeking consolations?...
Where shall one be found who is willing to
serveGodfornought? Rarelyisanyonefound
sospiritual as to have suffered the loss of all
things." (Bk. II.X. 1 ; xi.3,4.) Thesubtle
germs of selfishness persist faron into thelife
of discipleshlp, though they then ape In their
growth the semblanceof virtues,and hide the
serpent of desire under the fair blossom of