xiv. THE CEDARS AND CANDLESTICKS. 2 6i 



vital in this transitory state of things has an enduring 

 existence. The form perisheth, but the essence re- 

 maineth. The teaching, the enlargement of heart and 

 mind, the purification and ennobling of the nature, the 

 beauty and the glory, which the discipline and educa- 

 tion of life have formed, remain and become the 

 possession of the immortal soul for evermore. 



And the light, too, of the candlesticks, which shines 

 on these imperishable trees, and brings out the full 

 beauty and glory of these unfading flowers and un- 

 wasting fruits, is an appropriate symbol of the crowning 

 dispensation of God. Light was the first thing that 

 was created. It is the principle of order and beauty. 

 By means of it, chaos assumed shape and was clothed 

 with varied hues. It is the essential element of life, 

 health, growth, energy. Beyond its influence death 

 and silence reign supreme. And as it thus preceded 

 and forms all the things of earth, so it shall outlast 

 them all. The forms of tree and flower in which the 

 sunlight temporarily manifests itself, disappear, but the 

 sunlight itself survives ; so all that in religion is merely 

 instrumental the use of sacraments, the exercise of 

 self-denial and prayer, even faith in Christ all these, 

 which are but means, shall vanish, and the glorious end 

 shall be the beatific vision of the Lamb in the midst 

 of the throne, as the great everlasting Light of heaven. 

 " The sun shall be no more thy light by day ; neither 

 for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee ; but 

 the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and 

 thy God thy glory." 



