Poetry · Chapter
In the Night explained
The speaker reflects on hearing the Master's voice calling like a mother to her child, grappling with doubt and unworthiness while affirming that God's love is based on His own nature and the potential for goodness within the speaker.
What happens
The speaker reflects on hearing the Master's voice calling like a mother to her child, grappling with doubt and unworthiness while affirming that God's love is based on His own nature and the potential for goodness within the speaker.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Struggle and Doubt
The speaker wrestles with doubt, questioning whether the Master truly cares for him despite his perceived unworthiness.
Love as Ultimate Strength
The Master's love is portrayed as unconditional, rooted in His own nature, and a force that draws the speaker toward goodness.
Characters to notice
- The Master
The Master's voice is heard calling the speaker, likened to a mother calling her child.
- Unknown
The speaker who hears the Master's call and struggles with doubt and self-worth.
- God
Referred to as the Father who made the speaker for good and loves him.
Key passages
“As to her child a mother calls, “Come to me, child; come near!” Calling, in silent intervals, The Master’s voice I hear.”
Just as a mother tenderly calls her child to come close, I hear the Master's voice calling me in quiet moments.
The speaker compares the Master's call to a mother's loving invitation.
“Doubt whispers, “Thou art such a blot” “He cannot love poor thee:” If what I am he loveth not, He loves what I shall be.”
Doubt tells me I am too flawed for God to love, but even if He does not love my current state, He loves the person I am becoming.
The speaker confronts doubt by affirming God's love for his potential.