Sunday, May 18, 2008

The Boy and the Fireflies

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"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Several years ago I found this wonderful poem in an old book while rummaging about in an antique store. It is a real treasure, and I am delighted to pass it along to you. My hope is that you will find it sufficient to insure that you keep your steps within the light of God's Word -- and follow the counsel of no other.

An inexperienced boy, one night
Through lonely paths returning,
Had taken to guide his steps aright,
A lantern brightly burning.
And safe he traveled by its ray,
Until, before him glancing,
He saw, along the doubtful way,
The sparkling fire-flies dancing.
Then he discarded with disdain
His lantern calmly beaming,
To follow this resplendent train,
In fitful radiance gleaming.
But, ere a second step he took,
He found his folly humbled:
The flying lights his path forsook,
And in a ditch he tumbled.

Then bitter anger he expressed
Against these guides beguiling;
Who thus the simple boy addressed:
"Nay, cease this vain reviling!
The blame remains with you alone;
And half the ills men reckon,
Proceed from leaving lights well known,
To follow some false beacon."

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