A man whose name has been very well known in the entire world and who was called “the diamond king,” died some years ago, leaving a considerable fortune. Feeling that his end was approaching, he said to those who surrounded him:
“I have lived my life in the pursuit of the most envied goods here below. I have played with health and with fortune. I have possessed diamonds, gold, and lands. But all that, I must leave, for I am not able to take anything with me. On the contrary, that which it is possible to take with one, I have not sought after, and as a consequence I have not found it.”
He telegraphed a friend, who was a preacher in England, to remember him in his prayers, but before the message reached its destination, he was in eternity.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:2626For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26).
Dear young reader, whatever your condition or occupation may be down here, there is one thing which claims your serious attention and which ought to have first thought: it is the salvation of your never-dying soul. This salvation does not depend upon your own doings; but your great responsibility is to take heed to the word of God. It says to you, as to the Philippian jailer,
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts. 16:31.
ML 06/24/1956