God's Word a Lamp by JOS. CLARKE.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 21, 1872

God's Word a Lamp.

By JOS. CLARKE.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Ps 119:105.

A lamp is a good thing, when in order, and well replenished with oil; but when the oil is exhausted the lamp goes out. Christ alludes to this point in Matt. 25:8. The foolish virgins cry to the wise, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” God's word, attended by the influence of the Holy Spirit, enlightens the path of the wise; but the word of God, without this aid, leaves the foolish in darkness—a darkness as profound as that of the most degraded heathenism.

This truth is always present, always practical; and a man may have much religious knowledge, and yet fail of the true knowledge which David sought after when he cried to God continually for his salvation. A man's pride may be deeply wounded, yet his heart remain hard as a millstone. His head may be filled with correct principles, yet all may be so corrupted by selfishness as to make him a companion, finally, for the enemies of God.

The lamp here spoken of, when trimmed and burning, will infallibly lead aright, yet who will realize this? Who will appreciate this principle and live accordingly? Thank God, some have done this in all ages. God has always had a people, and he has a people now; but as individuals, how few realize and practice upon this.

What a blessing a well-trimmed lamp is, in the darkness of night. How carefully you hold it lest the wind extinguish it. How careful to hold it so that its light shall fall directly upon the path just before you. How provident you are to have the necessary amount of oil to feed the cheering flame. How neat and clean is all the furniture of the light, that the greatest and clearest amount possible, may be produced. And as you pass along, how gladly you share your light with the poor benighted traveler who has none of his own, and how gratefully he accepts the assistance your light affords.

So the psalmist, and all others who have taken God's word as their light, have proceeded in their dangerous pilgrimage through this sinful world. Sometimes we find David enveloped in darkness, stumbling among the dark mountains of death; but he rests not until he finds his light and the path again; and then, oh! how carefully he guards the light he carries. How cautiously he walks, and how thoroughly he scans the way before him. Yet after all, how have wicked and foolish men exulted over the mistakes David made, while thus ensnared by Satan.

This light we need, each one for himself. Another may be well supplied with light, and may be willing to assist others who walk by his side; yet it will not answer to walk by the light of a brother. You must have one of your own.

JOS. CLARKE.