p. 6 | TWO BOOKS by M. E. K.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 22, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 16.

TWO BOOKS.

By M. E. K.

A NEW book of a very remarkable character, both as to its matter, price, and the way it is to be distributed, is soon to be issued. The writer, or rather compiler, of the book, for he will draw material for it from many sources, is Mr. Hubert Howe Bancroft, popularly known as the "historian of the Pacific Coast." He was the author and publisher of a very remarkable book issued the year of the World's Fair in Chicago, known as the "Book of the Fair." His success in that enterprise has encouraged him to undertake another similar enterprise. The new book is to be called the "Book of Wealth." It is to be a history of wealth from the earliest times unto the present. The great nations of antiquity, their most stupendous works, and the traffic and trade of the greatest kings and merchant princes, will be fully described. All lands are to be searched for information; artists will prepare by original designs such pictures that the book will afford the best possible representation of wealth, and the elegance and luxury which have ever accompanied it during all past times.

Modern wealth will also be described. Sketches of the lives of the representatives of wealth now living will be given, whether crowned and titled Europeans and Asiatics, or the uncrowned, untitled kings of American commerce and trade. Photographs of the wealthy will embellish the book; even a group of the guests at the Bradley-Martin ball was photographed for that purpose.

It is perhaps needless to say that this book is not designed for general circulation. It is sold only to those who subscribe for it beforehand, and if the reader has not been asked to subscribe, he may be sure that he will be unable to obtain a copy. The smallest price for which one of these books can be obtained is $1,000, and $2,500 is the highest price. More than that, the line is very carefully drawn as to who can have them even at that price. Only about four hundred copies will be printed. A man worth less than $10,000,000 has little chance to get one. Even the king of Italy feels too poor to subscribe! Thousands would be glad to get their names in it, were they not barred by the lack of the millions necessary to gain their desire. Thousands of those who are comparatively wealthy will envy those who, by reason of their greater wealth, are given a place in this book, which they can not secure.

As I was reading of this book, and learning the facts which I have briefly stated here, there came to my mind this passage of Holy Writ: "And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life." Rev. 20:12. This book is not a new book; it is coeval with man's history. It is a book of wealth—of true wealth—for it is a book of character; and there is no wealth like the wealth of a righteous character. Those whose names are written and retained there (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5) are the wealthiest persons of the world; yea, of the universe; for they are the children of God, "and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Rom. 8:17.

How poor the fleeting treasures of this world look compared to the wealth possessed by every child of God! In his Word a new earth of surpassing loveliness is described, and a city whose walls are of jasper, whose streets are of gold, and whose gates are of pearl, is set before us as our future home, throughout the unending ages. Better than all, we are to have God's character of perfect holiness received by our faith in Jesus Christ, and the happiness that can only come by perfect freedom from sin. All this, and much that is beyond our understanding, is comprehended by the fact that one's name is in the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Who can have their names there?—All who repent of their sins, and accept the Saviour. The king can have it, and so can the humblest and poorest man in all his kingdom. No money is necessary to secure it. God is equally rich toward all his children. Here is the invitation: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isa. 55:1.

But few can have their names placed in the "Book of Wealth," but all can have their names in the "Book of Life." There is no exclusiveness in our God. All are invited; all may come; all may share in the richest blessings both here and hereafter. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.

Reader, in which of these two books would you prefer to have your name? Probably you can not get it into the "Book of Wealth," even should you try; the wealthy will not permit it there; but all the wealth of the world, and all the power of the world, can not prevent the angel of God from tracing your name in the "Book of Life." Shall not each one who reads these words, seeing the goodness and mercy of God in stooping to save, and the glorious heights to which he will raise the repentant sinner, say, "Lord, I give up all for thee, to be thine and thine alone, both now and forevermore"? Then your name will be entered in the "Book of Life," and you in perfect confidence can say:—

"Jesus, my Lord, I know His name; His name is all my trust; Nor will He put my soul to shame, Nor let my hope be lost. "Firm as His throne His promise stands, And He can well secure What I've committed to His hands Till the decisive hour. "Then will He own my worthless name Before His Father's face, And in the New Jerusalem Appoint my soul a place." M. E. K.