A TREASURE IN HEAVEN

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 22, 1861

A TREASURE IN HEAVEN.

ThE Saviour spent a life of labor and toil here upon earth that we might be saved from death, and it is evident that those who finally share in his glory will participate in his sufferings by arming themselves with his mind. Jesus knew there would be danger of his followers loving the world. He had trod the pathway before them. He had experienced the temptations of Satan and knew the plans he would lay to entrap them. He knew one of his surest snares would be to place before them the riches and honors of the world, and therefore he left instructions and admonitions lest they be led astray. He even said to them, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me." "And whosoever forsaketh not all that he hath cannot be my disciple."

He bid them lay up for themselves a treasure in heaven, bags which wax not old. A treasure which moths could not touch nor rust corrupt; a treasure in heaven—made up of smiles and tears, composed of kindly acts to our fellow-men. Not one or two merely, but a perpetual succession of deeds of mercy to those around us. The Christian's path leads not to selfish ends. He is a new creature. Old things are passed away and all things are become new. He is no longer his own, but having been bought with the precious blood of Christ, he devotes his time and talents, yea, all, even his life, to his service. 'Tis not a life of drudgery and task, but his chiefest pleasure is to do the will of him who has died to procure salvation and eternal rest in the kingdom of God.

Here is his toil, there his rest. Life is a journey, heaven an eternal home. Here are storms and tempestuous winds, there no wintry winds break the calm repose. Here is trouble and care, there quietness and assurance forever. Here, as the Christian traveler presses on his way, he longs to have others share in the blessedness of his hope. With a heart warm with heavenly love, he throws his arms around them and draws them within the fold. He forgets his own toil with the hope that another may be saved from eternal death. By faith he lifts his head and presses on toward the harbor of peace. He does not stop for the lions he is told are in the way. He knows not a sparrow falls to the ground without his Father's eye. Not one promise in all the word of God will ever fail, and the reward will come. The crown will be given. The same page after PART 1 (column/continuation, NOT a page break) song of redemption will be sung. The city with its twelve foundations, golden streets and pearly gates will appear to the righteous nation that keepeth the truth. Their feet will stand upon Mt. Zion with the Lamb. Tears will be forever wiped away, and joy unspeakable will be the portion of God's children forever more.

"If thou canst do thy God-given duties well; If thou canst bear the trial of the fire; Thou shalt have rest—thou shalt have leave to dwell, Where ransomed ones shall strike the golden lyre.

"Let us be up and doing—make the vow, More glorious than the ne'er returning past; Entwine around the present's changeful brow, A fragrant garland of good deeds, to cast Its aroma abroad while endless ages last." M. D. A.