A MINISTER of the gospel was once sitting in a public room, where a few young men, strangers to him, were conversing. Their conversation was upon worldly business —stocks, interest, purchases, etc. After the minister had listened a while in silence, he turned to one who had taken the most active part in the conversation, and observed to him that, having listened with much interest to what had passed, he was desirous of proposing a question connected with the subject of their remarks, and would be glad if a few moments thought could be devoted to it. The young man answered politely, and begged to hear the question. The minister then requested that, as he seemed accustomed to calculations of interest, and questions of profit and loss, he would endeavor to ascertain what it would profit a man, if he were to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul. A deep silence ensued. The question remained unanswered. It spoke to the conscience, and by the conscience it was heard. The young man retired, apparently unaffected; but the question ceased not to speak, and constantly to require its answer, till the immeasurable worth of the soul, and the utter insignificance of every human pursuit, in comparison with that of its salvation, were brought with such evidence and power to his heart, that he lost his zeal for this world’s gain, and became a devoted and zealous follower of the only Saviour of sinners.
Reader! the question, “What is the soul worth?” is presented to you. Consider what your soul is worth in reference to its eternity, for it is immortal, and will endure forever! Measure its value by that of worldly riches—or worldly honors—or worldly pleasures. Measure it by the world itself—the whole world—ALL worlds—and what, indeed would it profit you to gain them all, and —lose your soul?
Oh, reader! shall your soul be saved or lost? Eternity is waiting your determination! Do not delay. Attend, now to mercy’s voice; for “now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.”
ML 07/15/1906