Another year of our paper has run its course, and we have come that much nearer to the end of our life’s journey. Every one’s journey has its destination, whether a good or evil one. Many of our friends and acquaintances are with us no more in the journey, but have died, and as many as knew the Lord, are now at home with Him.
Some of you perhaps have been sick and near death’s door, and you could see how quickly one may be called from this life into eternity. But you are still alive and God in His grace, still gives you faithful warnings and true way marks.
No doubt, you all know what waymarks are. You find them on the roads in the country pointing the way to towns and cities, and especially where two or three roads cross. In the old country you will see many of these sign boards painted in colors which tell the country that they represent. showing the traveler the right way, that he may not go astray.
The lighthouse is another kind of way-mark, which is built on the shore or on a rock out in the ocean, to show the seaman the dangers of the stormy sea and warn him of rocks and crags nearby or the vessels would he dashed to pieces.
We would like to give von a short description of the lighthouse, with the prayer that the Lord may bless this little paper to you and that it may be a light in your path to lead von to Jesus, the True Light.
The most necessary instrument for the seaman is the magnetic needle or compass, which always and in all places points very, nearly northward, so that by it he can guide his ship through the wide ocean. On clear nights, the fixed stars in the heavens point out the way to the pilot, nevertheless the lighthouses are of the greatest importance.
It is near the shores, where the waves of the ocean break with thundering roar, where sandbanks and rocks are constantly threatening to destroy the ships, that the most of accidents occur, and it is there that these special waymarks are needed.
Lighthouses existed in ancient times. The one erected opposite Alexandria at the mouth of the Nile was one of special renown, and was one of the seven wonders of the world.
It stood on the small island of Pharus, from which it received its name. From a tower 600 feet high, shone the great fire torches far into the ocean. It withstood the waves and billows more than 1500 years, till, at last, it was destroyed, either with an earthquake or in a great storm.
At the present time, the lighthouse which stands opposite the city of Plymouth, (the Lighthouse of Eddystone) is of importance. It is built on a rock in the Midst of the sea, and, though built scientifically and very solid, was destroyed several times.
One can hardly imagine the great power of those storm-tossed waves. Solid buildings are thrown from their foundations, and the lighthouses often shake so tremendously that they rock like a ship, and those who live in them become sea sick.
Most of the modern lighthouses are built of the hardest granite, fastened securely into the rock in which they stand.
Inside the strong tower there are storage rooms for coal, oil, drinking water and victuals, also rooms for the dwelling place of the keepers whose duty it is to keep the lamps clean, and fill them with oil and light them. The lamps, of course, are of great importance. They are generally covered with a roof of bright metal and have several burners with large flames. The light shines through a broad circle of glass prisms, by which means the power of the light is considerably increased, so that it may be seen for many miles.
Arrangements have been made so that the seaman may be able at night to distinguish which lighthouse is before him.
In some of them the lamps are kept going in a circular motion by means of a clock work, and at certain intervals, the light is for a second or two hidden from view. By observing the length of time the light is hidden and the intervals, the pilot is able to tell which lighthouse it is and with the aid of the chart, he knows where he is.
How many eyes may look for the light of the lighthouse in dark and stormy nights and with what feelings of gratitude do they hail its shining light. Many precious lives have, no doubt, been spared from an early and terrible death in the sea, by being guided by its brilliant fays to enter safely into the desired harbor. How good, therefore, is the purpose of the lighthouse, and how necessary its service as a waymark.
We, who travel in the dangerous and trackless waters of life’s ocean on the way, to eternity, also needed a lighthouse —a waymark—though of a higher order, so God sent His own Son into this dark and evil world to be the great Light to shine in the midst of darkness.
The light of this great and eternal Lighthouse is never hidden and never goes out. No storm can overcome it; no power can conquer it. Fie who is this eternal Lighthouse, is also the “Rock of Ages.” At one time—on Calvary’s cross —all the waves and billows of God’s judgment went over Him, and He bore the storm for us, but He arose victorious out of the awful waters of death.
His light shines out to all countries, and He guides those who follow Him into eternal glory. He has already led thousands, yea, millions into it.
During this past year many of our dear little friends have been brought into the rays of His light and have put their trust in Him, have been made free from the power of sin, death and Satan, and while still are left here amidst the storms of life, they enjoy the rest and peace of His presence. God’s grace and strength are their portion from day to day.
Are you among the number of these blessed ones, dear reader? Perhaps you are yet floating around in a frail bark in life’s wide ocean, not knowing where you will land.
Oh, turn to the Lord. Trust in Him! Away from Him is only night and misery, and then comes torment and outer darkness. Come to Him today. Look to Him now.
ML 04/25/1909