BETTER THAN SILVER AND GOLD.
"SILVER and gold have I none," said Peter to the cripple at the Beautiful gate of the temple; "but such as I have give I thee." The helpless man extended his long, thin hand for a penny; but instead, received a perfect cure. Silver and gold are good in their places, and are not to be despised; but there is something better. They secure to us the comforts and luxuries of life, take away the fear of want and dependence, afford means of culture and refinement and are an instrument in blessing and saving mankind. Life is better than silver and gold. "All that a man hath will he give for his life." Money, watches, jewelry, are worth nothing when the steamer is sinking, or the flames pursue a man. Health is better than silver and gold. Disease is bribed with heavy sums. The best skill of nations, and the climate of the world, are tried at any expense. An unbroken family is better than silver and gold. Often a man would deed away all his property to save the life of a beloved wife or the child, while the life is fading away with a rapidity which his wealth cannot stay. Innocence and peace of mind are better than silver and gold. Many a man, after some great sin, would buy back at heavy cost, his former state; but sin and Satan laugh at his hoard of gold. They have got his virtue and peace, and will not sell at any price. Salvation is better than silver and gold. It is the costliest thing in the universe, but it is not for sale. Every drop of Christ's blood is worth more than a globe of gold. Many a man thinks he is willing to give half he is worth to save his soul; but salvation cannot be bought. A man with a room full of gold may perish, and another be saved who does not leave two coins to close his eyelids with. There will be no use for silver and gold in heaven. We read of streets of gold, and crowns of gold, but of no coin to purchase the various and tempting forms of bliss. Friends put no pockets in their shroud, and the white robes of the redeemed will need none, for there is no money wanted to secure admission to the choicest scenes in the holy city. Let the man who has silver and gold turn a portion of it into comfort to the poor, and spiritual life of the lost, and it will be invested where death cannot part him from it, nor the fires of the last day melt it. Let the man who has no silver or gold, if he is a Christain, rejoice that he has something better; and if not a Christian, let him at once secure nothing what will make him a rich man for time and for eternity.—Zion's Watchman.