Unprecedented Extravagance
By J. N. Q.
The psalmist prayed that God would grant unto him neither riches nor poverty, and his example in this respect is worthy of emulation. These days are days of extremes, especially in the matter of wealth. A mania to make money, coupled with a love of display, has taken possession of thousands. In the current number of the Farm Journal this trait is thus presented:— The country seems bent upon a course of unprecedented extravagance, which grows in proportion to the increase in agricultural wealth. Take the diamond as an example. This is absolutely a luxury, and it serves no other purpose than to please the fancy and tickle the vanity of the owner. The importation of diamonds into the United States increased from fourteen million dollars in 1900 to over forty seven million dollars in 1910, and an enormous amount of money is now locked up in these gems. Nor is their possession confined to the rich, as in former times. In these days of the instalment house, everybody can wear diamonds; and payments upon the engagement ring sometimes continue long after the honeymoon is over. Every precious stone was the covering of Lucifer when he came from the hands of his Maker, and he was thus clothed that he might reflect the glory of God. Sin is a perversion of God's purposes, and the wearing of precious stones now is to glorify the creature. Their use is unbecoming the believer in Jesus Christ.