Clinging to Her Idols by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 9, 1911

Clinging to Her Idols

By F. M. W.

RECENTLY, workmen who were excavating the foundation for a new building near Pompeii, found the petrified body of a woman. Both hands were grasping gems. These consisted of bracelets, necklaces, rings, amulets studded with gems, and a pair of earrings, each earring containing twenty-one perfect pearls set in gold, in imitation of a cluster of grapes. The woman evidently was seeking to flee from the great catastrophe which overwhelmed that unfortunate city; and with her she was carrying her dearest earthly possessions, her heart’s idols. Perhaps it was the delay occasioned in securing these that cut off her hope of escape. She and her treasures were swallowed up together in the great conflagration.

What a striking example this affords of the fate which will befall many in the closing days of earth’s history! Instead of setting their affections on things above, they have made them gods of silver and gold. The baubles of earth appear of greater value than the riches of heaven. These they can not surrender. They have become a part of their very life. Shutting God out of their knowledge, they have taken pleasure only in their accumulative riches, in the pride and fashions and follies of earth. When called upon to flee from the city of destruction, like Lot’s wife, they have looked back with longing to the cities of the plain. The decree goes forth, Let them alone, they are joined to their idols; the door of mercy closes; and they are left to be swallowed up in this world’s final conflagration.

Happy indeed is he who, recognizing his true relationship to God, transfers to the bank of heaven his earthly possessions. This he may do, not by carrying them in his hands from the city of destruction, as did the woman of Pompeii, but by laying them to-day upon the altar of sacrifice. The scripture says that “he who giveth unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord.” “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”

The ancient wicked cities of the plain, from which Lot escaped with his life, are set forth for an example, for an admonition. “Remember Lot’s wife.” While the voice of mercy still pleads, while the hand of infinite love still beckons, let us make our peace with God, and consecrate our substance to his service. Thus shall we transfer our possessions to the mansions above, save our own souls at last, and in God’s providence be the means of bringing his glorious salvation to others in darkness.

F. M. W.