A Rich Worldling | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 19, 1857

A Rich Worldling.

How apt many are at the sight of a rich worldling, to envy him for what he hath; but for my part I rather pity him for what he wants: he hath a talent, but it wants improvement; he hath a lamp, but it wants oil; he hath a soul, but it wants grace; he hath the star, but wants the sun; he hath the creature, but wants the Creator.

In this life he doth float upon a torrent of vanity, which emptieth itself into an ocean of vexation; and after death, then take this unprofitable servant, bind him hand and foot, and cast him into utter darkness; go set his soul adrift in an impetuous lake of fire and brimstone.

Where now is the object of your envy? It is not his silver that now will anchor him, nor his gold that shall land him, nor his friends that can comfort him: therefore if he be worth the envying, who is worth the pitying? If this be felicity, then give me misery.

Lord, rather make me poor with a good heart, than rich with a bad conscience.