MANY a bitter memory, like the mile-stones on the roadside, marks the fresh stages of our journey through this world to eternity. But be the past full of sorrow, it is bright before. Day by day the pilgrim to heaven approaches nearer home. Nor is it only that each stage, each new year, marks the truth afresh that we are nearer home, but each event of our lives teaches us to say more truly to our God, “Thou wilt preserve us.” How great are His words, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,” and underneath are His everlasting arms, perfect in strength, and unwearied in bearing the burden of His people.