CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY.
By H. W. Beecher
I have at home a little old lantern, which when I take it home and set it by itself, is about as homely as anything need to be. If I were to take that lantern alone, and carry it, it would be a very poor help to me; but if I take a candle—it may be a tallow candle—and put it into the lantern, and light it and shut the door, the lantern is transformed in a moment. It is filled full of light, which rolls out of that little center and keeps unfolding; and now this lantern is a light to my feet, and a lamp to my path, and guides me by night, and in devious and dangerous ways. A man's soul without Christ in it is like a lantern without a light in it; and the moment a man has an abiding sense of Christ in him the hope of glory, he is permeated, and the light springs through him. I think people are handsomer after they are converted. I have seen in revivals of religion most extraordinary changes in people's faces. When people are converted their faces are illuminated, as it were. When people's hearts are kindled by the indwelling power of the Saviour, it will certainly show itself in their countenances. It is not the Master's face alone that has shone. Everybody's face shines that has light of the divine nature behind it. Oh, that each one might feel after, and find, and dwell in the presence of this blessed Saviour, who gives such peace, and familiarity, and joy to your soul!—H. W. Beecher.