The Rev. C. A. S. Dwight says:
“During a damp, foggy evening along the New England shore, a
summer resident who had been skirting the beach in a row-boat,
was struggling at the oars, trying to drive his little craft
through the waters despite the drag upon it of a heavy object
towing on behind. It was a dismal evening, and he was tired and
weary of his attempted task. But just when his depression was
greatest he heard the voice of his little boy hailing him from
the beach. Looking through the gloom he could discern the faint
glow on the shore, while his boy called encouragingly, ‘Papa,
I’ll cheer you with this lantern!’ The heart of the father was
gladdened, and his work after that seemed light, for so great is
the power of loving sympathy that it illumines all shadows and
lightens all tasks.
“I’ll cheer you with this lantern!” We all of us hold in our
hands some instrument of blessing, whether it be a lantern or
not, by the use of which, if we are alert to note the changing
necessities of those about us, we can every now and then cast a
gladdening or directing ray over life’s dark waters, or extend
some other “help in time of need” to a troubled brother.” (Text.)
(1853)