_THE GREAT COMPANION_
JOHN xiv. 15-31.
And so even the road is to have the home-feeling in it. "_I will not leave
you orphans._" Yes; there is to be something of home even in the way to
it. I find something of Devonshire even in Dorsetshire; Shropshire gives
me a taste of Wales. My Lord will not leave me comfortless. Heaven runs
over, and I find its bounty before I arrive at its gate. The "Valley of
Baca" becomes "a well."
And there are to be wonderful visions to speed the pilgrim's feet. "_I
will manifest Myself unto him._" At unexpected corners the glory will
break! We shall be assuming that we have picked up a common traveller, and
suddenly we shall discover it is the Lord, for He will be made known to us
"in the breaking of bread." And at many "risings" of the road, where the
climbing is stiff and burdensome, we shall be inspired with many a
glorious view, and we shall see "the land that is very far off."
The one condition is, that I keep His word. If I am obedient, He will
appear unto me, and the humdrum road will shine with miracles of grace.