Beacon Lights.


BEACON lights are used to signal the approach

of an enemy, so that the people of the

invaded country may make timely preparation

to defend their homes. They are also used to

mark the situation of rocks, or dangerous

places at sea, so that the mariner may escape

shipwreck, on dark and stormy nights.

The Arabs, however, use beacon lights for

quite a different purpose. They are a fierce

and warlike people, and often attack caravans,

plundering them without mercy. Yet these

wild Arabs, as they are called, have some excellent qualities. They are noted for their

hospitality, and strive to excel each other in

deeds of kindness and generosity to strangers.

The historian, in speaking of their customs,

says, "The dark side of the Arab character

had a beautiful contrast in certain noble and

generous qualities. The moment the fierce

marauder ceased to be in a state of war, he 

became quite another man. His tent was the

asylum of the stranger, the home of kindness

and hospitality. The traveler who sought his

protection, or confided in his honor, was 

entertained without the thought of remuneration

The host regarded him not merely as his guest

but as a member of his family. He would defend

his life at the risk of his own."

They not only entertained those who called

on them, but sought the stranger and pilgrim

and conducted them to their tents. For this

purpose, they lighted fires on the hills and in

the valleys, and kept them burning brightly

throughout the night. By these beacon lights

the lonely wayfarer knew where to find a place

of safety and repose. An Arabian poet says

"Thy fires are kindled after sunset in every

valley. The weary traveler spies these red

signals afar through the obscure night."

Cannot we learn some useful lessons from the

customs of these wild men of the desert?

Shall not we be admonished to lure strangers

to our homes, especially those who are destitute

and friendless? Cannot we serve God, and

find happiness in making their hearts glad?

But above all, let us try to light them to that

heavenly home where weariness, pain, and want,

never come. The dark night of ignorance

rests upon many, and the heavy clouds of sin

envelop nearly all; and every Christian should

be a "bright and shining light," to lure sinners

to Jesus, and lead them along the road to

he celestial city.

Who among our young readers will strive to

hold forth the truths of God's word, the true

light, and exemplify its principles in all their

intercourse with men, thus beckoning and

guiding them from the darkness of Satan's

dominion to the home of the blest?

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that

is set upon a hill cannot be hid." "Let your

light so shine before men, that they may see

 your good works, and glorify your Father which

 is in Heaven."

 Matthew 5 :14, 16.



 YI