DIVINE TRUTH AND ITS VALUE.
By C. R. Austin
WE estimate the value of the things of this world by their durability, by the service they render the possessor, and by comparing one article with another. But divine truth, who can estimate its worth? or tell its priceless value? or with what comparison shall it be compared? Shall we liken it to gold, the most precious of all earthly treasures? Why so precious? In itself there is no nutriment that can sustain life, or nourish these frail bodies; it cannot be made into garments to warmly clothe, and protect us from winter's chilling blast. Why, then, do we prize it so highly? Because of its durability. There is nothing we need for food or clothing but that is easily destroyed by adverse influences, and, should it pass a fiery ordeal, would be reduced to ashes, and be seen no more forever. But not so with gold. It may be tested by the severest trials, even the hottest fire, and yet it remains the same; and the hotter the flame, the purer the gold. For this reason, the possessor can exchange it for every necessary article this earth affords. And not only for the necessary, but also for every desirable article, that is beautiful and pleasant to the eye, from the lovely flower, to the elegant mansion, surrounded by broad fields of earth's choicest fruits and richest land. And how long can this be enjoyed? Just while the breath of life is within us. When that goes forth, we return to the earth, and no amount of gold, or all of earth's costliest treasures combined, can redeem us from the power of the grave, or place us in a condition to again enjoy the beautiful things of this world. How does this compare with what divine truth does for those who possess it? It clothes them with the robe of Christ's righteousness, which will surely and safely protect them from the severest storm earth has ever witnessed, and which is already in sight to the eye of faith, and will as surely fall on those destitute of this robe as the flood came upon them in Noah's time. And should the lamp of life go out, is it forever lost? No; it is safely insured in the record God has given us of his Son. And this record is eternal life, and this life is in his Son; and when He who is our life shall appear, then shall we appear with him in glory, and be led by him through the gates into the city of God, have a right to the tree of life, be made heirs of a beautiful mansion in our Heavenly Father's home and a glorious inheritance on the earth when it shall be purified from the stain of sin and the curse of God. How long shall this be enjoyed? While eternity's years shall roll. And he that can number them may estimate the value of divine truth. Where shall this priceless treasure be found? and how obtained? God's word contains an inexhaustible fountain of it; and if we seek for it as for silver, and search for it as for hid treasures, we shall find the knowledge of God and understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. And we may obtain it by coming with a humble, teachable spirit, to the foot of the cross, bringing every tradition, doctrine, and commandment, received from the fathers and not sustained by the word of God, and exchanging them for the pure precepts of God's unchangeable law, and the divine teachings of his beloved Son.