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I. A PRECIOUS COMMODITY.

1. Gold represents the blessed Saviour, for He is the most excellent of beings.

2. Gold represents the gospel, for it is the most excellent of systems.

3. Gold represents the Christian graces, for they are the most permanent of treasures. Faith, hope, and love have a power to bless beyond this world's wealth.

II. THIS PRECIOUS COMMODITY TRIED. Even philosophy itself has confessed that the gold of the gospel alone will sustain in the final conflict.

III. THIS TRIED AND PRECIOUS COMMODITY IS OFFERED FOR ACCEPTANCE It is strange but true that men reject salvation because it is freely offered. Pride resents the humbling conditions. Self-will tramples beneath its feet offered mercy.

IV. THE GLORIOUS CONSEQUENCE OF ACCEPTING. Soul riches are the true abiding wealth.

(W. Burrows, B. A.)

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KJV: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

WEB: Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;