The Twenty Seventh of July.

I WILL FEAR NO EVIL --- Psalm 23:4.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." --- Psalm 23:4.

See also Exodus 14., of the deliverance of the Israelites, and the destruction of the Egyptians in the Red Sea.

To rejoice in the light of God's countenance is certainly most pleasant, but not always so profitable, to every one, as sometimes to walk in the dark, nay, in the valley of the shadow of death. Some are more humble and cautious while walking in the dark than in the light; and glimpses of grace are then exceeding precious; but such should consider for their humiliation, that darkness or deadness are commonly the effects of a wrong spirit and careless walk.

O Lord, grant that when I am deprived of sensible comforts I may yet be enabled to rely upon thy bare word, and in death may be refreshed by the light of thy countenance. Amen. Yea; thou hast declared, that "the righteous hath hope in his death," Proverbs 14:32.

Death cannot make our souls afraid,
If God be with us there;
We may walk through his darkest shade,
And never yield to fear.

May I climb to Pisgah's top,
And view the promised land,
My flesh itself shall long to drop,
And pray for the command.

Clasp'd in my heav'nly Father's arms,
I shall forget my breath,
And lose my life among the charms
Of so divine a death.