HIDDEN TREASURES by E. C. Chapman

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 28, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 29.

HIDDEN TREASURES.

By E. C. Chapman

BY E. C. CHAPMAN.

At different times in the history of mankind glowing reports have been borne hither and thither of newly discovered mines, rich in precious metal. The valuable deposits of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Andes have led thousands of brave men to risk their lives and their fortunes in a wild rush for riches, which were supposed by many to bring happiness and the greatest of blessings to men. The diligence of some was awarded by obtaining a portion of what they sought, while others perished in the struggle for wealth.

Not only on the land but in the sea do we find men bending all their energies toward obtaining hidden treasures. In the Gambier Islands, Torres Straits, and many other places in the broad Pacific, thousands of men are risking their lives in the dangerous work of diving for pearl shells. Some gather in considerable riches in this way, while others go below the surface of the deep to return no more till the judgment day. In many cases the riches themselves have been a snare to the possessor, and through drunkenness and debauchery have led to destruction. It is said that in the Gambier Islands, which are especially rich in shells, there are eight deaths to one birth among the people, and from several thousand inhabitants they have dwindled down to a few hundred.

To those who trust in the riches of this world there is always a day of separation and trouble ahead; for "he that trusteth in his riches shall fall," says the word of God. Prov. 11: 28.

There is, however, a mine of truth and blessing, the greatest which could possibly come to mankind, which by the majority is treated as a common thing, and left quite unexplored.

The word of God is a revelation of Christ (John 1:14), and in him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2: 3). Life, and that eternal, liberty as free men in Christ, and happiness which bears no bitter sting, are some of the precious jewels that are within the reach of all, and are revealed within the word of God, which is the grandest reservoir of enduring treasures ever brought to light.

As the glorious gospel call invites us all homeward, in the beautiful words, "Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely," it must be that whosoever has not drawn from the wells of salvation the sweetest drafts has neglected a glorious privilege and missed the very cream of happiness. Every such one should meditate upon the words, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6: 2.

In meditating upon the things of God as revealed in his word we become changed more and more into his likeness (2 Cor. 3: 18), and as in our onward journey we look into the Book which is a revelation of the Man of Calvary, love for the pure and holy fills our hearts, and ere we are aware peace and happiness meet us in the way. Phil. 4: 7.

To be heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8: 17) brings to mortal man an inheritance brighter and more enduring than anything the eye can see, or the mind of man does comprehend; as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Cor. 2: 9.

Hamuta, Tahiti.