THE SWEET HARP OF CONSOLATION
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you . . .
As I thought of the life of faith, I saw before my eyes, as in a vision, a lofty staircase of light and, led by an invisible hand, I mounted step by step; when I had ascended long and far, it turned and turned again and again. I could see no supports to this elevated staircase, no pillars of iron, no props of stone—it seemed to hang in air. As I climbed, I looked up to see whither the staircase went, but I saw no further than the step on which I stood, except that now and then the clouds of light above me parted asunder, and I thought I saw the throne of the Eternal and the heaven of his glory. My next step seemed to be upon the air, and yet when I boldly put down my foot I found it firm as adamant beneath me. I looked back on the steps which I had trodden and was amazed, but I dared not tarry, for ‘forward’ was the voice which urged me on, and I knew, for faith had told me, that the winding stair would end at last beyond the sun, moon and stars in the excellent glory. As now and then I gazed down into the depths out of which the stair had lifted me, I shuddered at my fate should I slip from my standing, or should the next step plunge me into the abyss! Over the edge of that on which I stood I gazed with awe, for I saw nothing but a gaping void of black darkness and into this I must plunge my foot in the faith of finding another step beneath it. I should have been unable to advance and would have sat down in utter despair had I not heard the word from above of one in whom I trusted, saying, ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee’. I knew that my mysterious guide could not err. I felt that infinite faithfulness would not bid me take a step if it were not safe; and therefore mounting still, I stand at this hour happy and rejoicing, though my faith be all above my own comprehension.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 