p. 4 | A Short Sermon by H. A. St. John

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 4, 1913

A Short Sermon

By H. A. St. John

The Salesman's Goods

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, . . . and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." Rev. 3: 18.

ALL around us in this world we hear the call, "Buy of me." Among all these calls, there is one above all, and first of all, that should be heeded. It is none other than the blessed Jesus, calling to his lukewarm children. They are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; but in his great mercy he comes and calls to them, "Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy

nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." Just the very things in every particular that they so greatly need! He, the wonderful Counselor, counsels them to buy of him on gospel terms, without money and without price, the very things that will make them rich for both time and eternity. O, what a golden opportunity is passing unheeded by so many! After it is too late, there will come a time when the great loss will bring an overwhelming sense of anguish and despair, to cease only with the lake of fire and the blackness of darkness forever.

Now let us briefly consider the character of that which our divine Lord offers for sale, on terms within the reach of all. First of the trinity is gold tried in the fire. This is faith and love. In Peter's ladder of sanctification, consisting of eight rounds, we have faith for the first, and love for the last; hence faith and love comprehend all the Christian graces and fruits, as beautifully revealed in the charming life of Christ. His entire life on earth was a period of passing through a furnace, heated, as it were, seven times hotter than need be. But he came out bright and shining, without the smell of fire on his beautiful robe of character. The very same faith and love he now offers to his children, that they may overcome as he overcame. Second, is the white raiment, the robe of Christ's righteousness, the wedding garment, for the marriage of the Lamb is at hand. Third and last is the eye-salve. Thus anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, the remnant church will see all things in the light of heaven, as with the eyes of Christ, and will go forth to finish this glorious work of saving souls; and the people that sit in darkness everywhere will see great light.

St. Helena, Cal.