Why a Candle Is Lit

‘• God seldom Ughteth a candle, but he hath some lost groat to seeky This is assuredly true, and its practical bearings are worthy of our attention. If God raises up a preacher or any other useful worker, we may conclude that he has a people to be sought out and won for his kingdom. All capacities and abilities in the church are intended for this great purpose — the finding of the lost treasure. The same is true of the doctrines of the gospel, the ordinances, and the promises: these are all lights kindled with the view of finding lost souls. The whole Scripture has an eye in this direction. By one text one man is found, and by another passage another is discovered. Each Scripture has its own ray, and by its means its own lost piece is perceived. Some texts are great candles, and have found out many; but probably there is not one tiny taper of Holy Writ which has not shed its saving beams on some one or other of the Lord’s precious ones. Certainly every light which the Lord has given has a gracious design, and will be used for a saving purpose.

Lord, use me also, though I be but a poor rushlight, and find out some poor lost sinner by my means.