THE BEACON LIGHT by Jos. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 25, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 21.

THE BEACON LIGHT.

By Jos. Clarke

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119 :105. We should read the Bible much, and with prayer, in order to get the meaning of this saying of king David; and the longer we walk by this light, the more we experience of its power and truthfulness, the more we shall value such testimony as David here gives.

There is no difficulty or temptation incident to human life, in which the word of God may not apply as a rule and a test of life action, and character. The little child, if properly taught, will soon learn the moral science the Bible inculcates, and will apply it correctly.

As the weather-beaten mariner compares chart and compass with the beacon light, which warns of hidden rocks or shoals, so the Christian closely compares his life with the word of God. If his principles and life accord with the principles and teachings of the word of God, he enjoys the approval of God, and the light of Heaven shines fully and freely into his soul.

A light-house is placed upon those points of land which stand out most prominently and thereby endanger the safety of commerce; and as the ships pass by them, by night and by day, these dangerous points of land, or these hidden rocks, or unseen shoals, are thereby advertised to all who pass them, that each vessel, with its precious freight of life and treasure, may steer clear of danger, and find a safe and pleasant passage.

So in the Bible, there are recorded instances of rebellion, of obstinacy, of wickedness, and of sin, and the consequences thereof, each sufficient to deter those who read from the like act; so, on the other hand, virtue with its rewards has its bright examples. Cain stands out in a clear light as an instance of malice, hateful and loathsome; and Daniel and others are resplendent lights on the side of virtue.

David is a light to encourage the erring, while his sins with their terrible effects strike dismay to the presumptuous and the proud. The good and bad mentioned in each Testament are beacons for us. Central among the bad stands Lucifer, luring to ruin; and high and ineffably bright, above prophets and apostles, stands the great central light, Jesus, the bright and morning star, inviting us to the haven of final rest. JOS. CLARKE.