Words easy to be understood do often hit the mark, when high and learned ones do only pierce the air.

I saw a man clothed with rags . . . a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.

The Swamp of Despond is that place set before the narrow gate where true and false pilgrims alike are assaulted by their own internal corruption and pollution. The dirt and scum that has attached itself to our hearts and minds is agitated and revealed by both the workings of a guilty conscience and the devouring avarice of the enemy of our souls.The

I will stay in prison till the moss grows on my eye lids rather than disobey God.

If that a pearl may in a toad's head dwell, And may be found too in an oyster shell.

If you release me today, I'll preach tomorrow.

Afflictions make the heart more deep, more experimental, more knowing and profound, and so, more able to hold, to contain, and beat more.