The following incident, abbreviated, which is often told by an Evangelist, suggested the hymn. An aged lady, once living in an upper story of an old building, was visited one day by a lady missionary, having in her company a well-dressed woman. As they were ascending the first flight of stairs, the wealthy person remarked; "Oh, my! how dark and dreary it is here!" "Never mind," answered the other, "'Tis better higher up." When they had reached and entered the top room, she again remarked to the sick saint (whose life was ebbing away), "How can you live up here, and be contented in this dark, dreary, lonesome place?" The dying saint, pointing heavenward, with a smile, said; "'Tis better higher up." Crowning Glory No. 2, 1890, # 207.