We are not independent of things around us. Christianity has a
transforming influence over our earthly surroundings. It is the most
beneficent factor in material civilisation, the truest patron of art,
science, literature, commerce (H. E. I., 1124-1131, 1134). But behind
this lies a deeper truth. By transforming our hearts the Gospel
changes all things to us. This transforming influence is shown in
various relations. 1. The _wilderness_ of old bad things is cleared,
and gives place to new and better things. The axe must come before
the plough. 2. _The solitary place and the desert._ It is not all
weeds and bushes. The task of fertilising the desert with irrigation
not less difficult than that of clearing the wilderness. (1.) So
there are souls that seem to have lost all soil for spiritual life.
(2.) Then there are deserts of ruin, the remains of old withered
hopes and joys and loves.