"'He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.'
"It won't hurt you a mite, if you hev to wait awhile atween the verses. Most parsons read the Bible too fast. They go scurryin' thru the readin' like as though a shower was comin' an' they had to get in out of it post haste."
"'Fear not; I am with thee; be not discouraged; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee, yes, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.'
"'With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.'
"That there first part has puzzled me somewhat, for I've known many a one to die young. My folks used to say the good died young, cause the Lord had need of 'em over there. Struck me as kinder queer. But I reckon He meant here just what He said, as He does elsewhere. It's His intention to have long life and goodness go together, only some of us interferes with His plan, but He lets us interfere 'cause it's best and will work out His way in the end."
"'He shall call upon me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.'
"'Behold I will bring thee health and a cure.'
"'The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.'
"'There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.'
"Did you think," said Jim, interrupting his reading, "that there were so many bright, clear springs for the traveller?"