The following remarkable letter, published in the Sunday Express under the above heading, was written by the late Mr. James White, just before he committed suicide at Swindon, England, on June 28th last. When we remember that Mr. White began life with only a School-Board education and as an apprentice bricklayer, yet became a millionaire and moved in such high circles as even to entertain Royalty, the letter is well worth pondering over and laying to heart, as showing once again how totally inadequate are the riches and honors and pleasures of earth to provide a satisfying portion for the human heart. The letter reads:
“Whilst on the threshold of eternity, I must make an unparalleled, stark, bare revelation of my soul. I have entertained Royalty, called dukes and earls their pet names, have been on the inside of politics, have owned a yacht, and a racing stud, a theater and newspapers. I’ve raised a hundred and fifty millions for various undertakings, promoted prize fights, subsidized boxers, made a quarter of a million in one day, been feted by all, called ‘Jimmy White’ by the world. I’ve known what it is to go hungry, known what it is to have all I desire, and to have thousands waiting to eat out of my hand.
“I have had a special train to Manchester, yet in 1900 I walked from London to Rochdale because I was penniless. I have known men and women, who, while you were useful in cash or kind, spoke kindly, even affectionately, but changed to aloofness when the bank balance dwindled.
“On the last day of my life my brain unwinds before my eyes episode after episode. The old-time nice feeling of contentment has been replaced by a roaring, hectic existence. One day follows another with similar monotony, each individual having the same desires — more money and less work, more gaiety. The sight of having so many to pay homage to wealth, is sickening to the soul. While his wealth lasts one can give parties and presents and is the sole talk of night clubs, has pars in the gossip columns, thinks himself second only to God. Let the money leave him and his only friends left are remorse and regret...
“My head swims, my heart throbs. I bend my knees and look to God for I have seen the guilt and folly of gambling. The price has to be paid.”
True pleasure and joy, satisfaction and contentment, are found alone in Christ Jesus, the One whom God gave to be our Saviour and Redeemer. Nothing of earth can equal the joy of sins pardoned and put away; no prospect of earth can compare with the assurance of one day entering the glory land where there are pleasures for evermore. These blessings can be yours, my reader, if you accept Christ as your personal Saviour.
Living Links.