No martyr ever went the way of duty, and felt the shadow of death upon it. The shadow of death is darkest in the valley, which men walk in easily, and is never felt at all on a steep place, like Calvary. Truth is everlasting, and so is every lover of it; and so he feels himself almost always.

Summary

This quote suggests that martyrs who follow their duty and remain committed to the truth do not experience the fear of death. The presence of death is strongest in comfortable and ordinary circumstances, such as a valley, where individuals are more likely to be complacent. However, on challenging and treacherous paths like Calvary - a hill where Jesus was crucified - the fear of death is minimal. The quote implies that those who embrace and advocate for truth are immortal in their convictions, experiencing an enduring sense of purpose and fearlessness.