The Boy and the Fireflies

.
"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."

.