I have a little lantern
Which some folks call “The Book”
And when I cannot find my way,
I always take a look.
Within its sacred pages,
There is a wondrous light,
Which keeps my feet from stumbling,
Upon the darkest night.
Once two homeless, dirty ragged orphans were met by a loving rich man who seeing their sorry conditon made up his mind to help them. He told them that he would adopt them, that is, make them his OWN CHILDREN, and that they were to go to his beautiful home to live with him and share all his great riches. As he had business elsewhere he gave the children a wonderful lantern telling them that it would guide them safely home, for it would shine its light ONLY on the right path. With words of warning to follow the light the man left them and they set out.
How happy they were as they walked along talking of their wonderful new friend, of his love and goodness to them and of the prospect of meeting him again in, his and their happy home.
But after a time they became rather foot sore and weary and when the light shone on a steep, rocky road over a big mountain, their hearts fainted within them and they sat down, discouraged.
“I wonder if we can make the light shine on this easy, smooth road around the hill,” said one, but no matter how they turned the lantern, it would only shine on the rough road.
After a time these children did a very foolish thing. They could not put out the wonderful light, so they COVERED IT UP by tying a piece of cloth around it. Then, they set off on the road of their own choosing.
But, O, there were so many paths running this way and that way that soon they became hoplessly lost, for, you see, they had no light to guide them. Then they sat down and began to cry. At this moment a kindly stranger cme along and asked their trouble. They told him their story and how they had become lost.
“What is that you are carrying?” said he.
“That is our lantern.” said they.
“But why have you the light covered?”
With shame they had to confess their foolishness and then the stanger said, “Uncover the and it will show you the way back.”
This they did and were soon back to the spot they had left and now they began the steep climb. But do you know that so happy were they to be on the right road, they did not mind the hardness of the way ar all—the rough places eben seemed smooth!
Soon after they found themselves at home, their kind friend being there to welcome and care for them and love them.
Never more did they ever lack for anything or leave the wonderful friend who had now become a Father to them, indeed.
Now, children have you guessed who these orphan children are? Just anyone who is away from God, wandering in paths of sin. And who is the kind Stranger? Is He not the Lord Who came to seek and to save the lost?
And what is the lantern? Just His Word, the Bible, that He has so graciously given to guide us all the way Home.
If you are saved, dear children, walk in the light of that precious Word, and you will find it a true guide for,
ML 11/03/1946