Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 201, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 August 1911 — The Mountain Tops of Joy and Valleys of Depression [ARTICLE]

The Mountain Tops of Joy and Valleys of Depression

wr TIS very pleasant at ttmea aHBKi to climb the mountaintops v of Joy and fro,Q som ® Mount Pisgah to view the landscape beneath. There is joy in so doing, and our souls feel refreshed. As a rule it la far superior than dwelling in the vaf leys of depression. The mountain tops of joy are just the thing on which to take a joy-resL' It is my delight to tarry there and to enjoy the spiritual scenery. How delightful it Is to leave all care behind and to take a bath in the quietude and grandeur of somewhere your meditations are not disturbed and where only the whisper-! Ings of nature come to your heart! and ears. Theire is joy on such mountain tops that cannot be expressed in words. Such a place Is the place In which to sing the praises of God and count over his many mercies. An hour spent there is most refreshing to both body and soul. If you dot not believe me try it once, and my; word for it, you will be anxious to tryit again. Drawn Nearer to God. But I am nqt certain if such enjoyment is as beneficial as the experiences often received in the valley of depression. It takes all kinds of situations to make strong men and women. In the valleys of depression there are many things that draw us nearer to God; our hearts are softened and we renew our Intentions to live nearer to him. The valley of humility is a good place in which to grow, in grace and cultivate repentance.’ What a beneficial change is brought about by internal examinations while! dwelling in some valley. It is alwaysi well to know thyself, and what place; is better calculated to do it in than ini the valley of humility? A residence! for a short season in that valley hasi the effect of making the mountain! tops more enjoyable when you get there. It Is always after a severe storm that the sunshine Is best appreciated. No real sorrows mean no real joys. Coming out of darkness! into light Is a pleasure we all enjoy.; The shadows of troubles have their! use, and blessed is the man or woman! who can profit by them. I know as well as any man how de-‘ lightful it is to live en mountain tops;! but, nevertheless, I have , often felt that a residence in some valley 1» good for my soul; for it has the effect, of putting down spirtual pride and of’ making new resolutions to serve Godi more faithfully in the future. / A tumble from a mountain of joy into some valley is not very pleasant,’ but It is yours to rise up again on! pinions of faith and enjoy the luxuries again of being far away from the world and all of its’ sorrows and cares. What you like and what Is best for you are two different things.' Godi knows best, so be content and trust hint always. Profit From Hard Lesson. There are lessons to be learned both on the mountain tops of joy and in the valleys of depression. Learn your lessons well and profit from them. A change is good. To live always on the mountain tops of joy would stunt you, and to live continually in the valleys of depression would be injurious to you. After bathing in the cold waters of depression what a happy change it is to bask on the hilltops of joy; to feel the presence of Christ and to have your mouth filled with praises. As, human beings we need change, and It will be well with us If we can get Into the habit of taking pleasant, ly an the circumstances that God surrounds us with. Rejoice and be glad that you have enough to eat, clothing to wear and a. home to reside In. Do not walk about with your head hung down, but lift up your eyes to Heaven and drink in, all the pure pleasures that come your way. In this world, in the language, . of the negro hymn, you will be “Sometimes up and sometimes down,” but, do not get discouraged, knowing that! your Father’s hand is ever extended 1 to keep you from falling. In my old days my testimony lai that goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my putt life, and why should I not trust him the! remaining days of my existence?