By nature we are evil--that is selfish; for self love is the very essence of all evil--and until heavenly life is born in us there can be no interior marriage conjunction.

It is possible, then--and I want you to look the proposition fairly in the face--for two who are created for each other, to live very unhappily together during the first years of their married life.

Do you ask why?
Because both are selfish by nature; and self seeks its own delight.

I have sometimes thought," continued Mrs.De Lisle, "in pondering this subject, that those who are born for each other are not often permitted to struggle together in painful antagonism during the stern ordeals through which so many have to pass ere self is subdued, and the fires of Divine love kindled on the heart's altars." "Meeting life's discipline apart, or in strife with an alien," said Mrs.Dexter.
"As you will.

But the lesson, I trust, is clear.