It is exceedingly beneficial to our souls to mount above this present evil world to something nobler and better. It would be well if the dwellers in the valley could frequently leave their abodes among the marshes and the fever mists, and inhale the bracing element upon the hills. It is to such an exploit

of climbing that I now invite you. May the Spirit of God assist us to leave the mists of fear and the fevers of anxiety, and all the ills which gather in this valley of earth, and to ascend the mountains of anticipated joy and blessedness. May God the Holy Spirit cut the cords that keep us here below, and assist us to mount!

Many passages of Scripture will never be made clear by the commentator; they must be expounded by experience. Many a text is written with secret ink, which must be held to the fire of adversity to make it readable. You see stars when looking up from the

bottom of a well, though none may then be visible above ground, and in the deeps of trouble you will discern many a starry truth which would not else have been visible to you.