Cardinal Mazarin was one of those shrewd and clever men, who from a comparatively humble origin have risen to high rank and influence.
Born in 1692 at Piscini, he rose from a Captain in the Pontifical Guard to hold the reins of power in France. His cup of honor was full to overflowing and to him there seemed to be nothing wanting on this earth.
But it was now found that his unwearied addiction to state business had brought on a painful disease. On consulting Guenaud, the eminent physician, he was told that he had but a few months to live.
He received the announcement with sorrow, and was greatly troubled, for his possessions were enormous. All his life he had been hoarding, and his love of pictures being the strongest, he had a choice collection of almost priceless art.
Now he was face to face with the great fact stated in God's Word that—
"It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27.
Place, position, wealth, fame count for nothing when the "king of terrors" makes his imperative call. How wise to be "ready" for "we know not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1.
Soon after the great doctor told Cardinal Mazarin what a short time he had to live, the Cardinal was seen, in night cap and dressing gown, tottering along his gallery, pointing to his pictures, and mournfully exclaiming: "Must I quit these? MUST I QUIT ALL THESE?" He realized that he had to leave all his treasures behind.
The Cardinal's last words were: "Oh, my poor soul! What must become of thee? Whither wilt thou go?"
In the light of this historic fact, reader, ponder the words of the true and living God: "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36.
You cannot be here forever. Solemn thought: — In 100 years from now both reader and writer will either be "with Christ in eternal glory," or "with Satan in eternal gloom." Your decision now settles your destiny then!