The Thirty First of January

PEARL OF GREAT PRICE --- Matthew 13:45, 46.

"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." --- Matthew 13:45, 46.

Blessed are they to whom the gospel has made known the unsearchable riches of Christ! He is that one pearl of great price in comparison of whom all other goodly things that men desire are worthless.

Without him we are poor and miserable, though we abound in all manner of worldly store; but if we have found him, and discovered the excellency of his name, we are in possession of a treasure that makes us rich indeed, and have reason to be content with our portion, though stripped of every earthly comfort; for the Father gives grace and glory, even eternal life, in his Son Jesus Christ; and he that hath the Son of God hath life.

O, my soul, thou like the merchant-man, hast been seeking goodly pearls, and eagerly looking here and there for happiness all thy days. Hast thou, at length, been enlightened to perceive where true joys are to be found?

Then wilt thou be willing to sell all in order to win Christ, and be found in him; if there is anything that thou art unwilling to part with for his sake, thou knowest not his value, thou art not worthy of him.

Long did my soul in Jesus' form
No comeliness or beauty see;
His sacred name, by others prized,
Was tasteless still and dead to me.

Thanks to the Author of all grace,
That show'd me wretched, naked, poor,
That sweetly led me to the Rock
Where all salvation stands secure.

Glad I forsook my righteous pride,
My moral, tarnish'd, sinful dress:
Exchanged my dross away for Christ,
And found the robe of righteousness.