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THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
MEN are not easily wearied with renewed prospects of gain. Advantageous bargains may be offered with the greatest frequency without fear of creating disgust. Our Lord well knew that a love of earthly things was deeply rooted in our hearts, and availed himself of that knowledge the more forcibly to impress our minds with better things. He repeatedly commended his Gospel to us under the figure of a great temporal acquisition. In its general scope this parable agrees with that which precedes it. But it suggests many thoughts that are new and important.
To elucidate it we may consider,
I. In what respects the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a pearl—
The comparison is not properly between the kingdom and a merchant-man, but the kingdom and a pearl. The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of grace established in the world; and it may be compared to a pearl as enriching. Some pearls are of very great value, and would be an ample fortune to a person who had nothing else. The Gospel kingdom also is of inestimable value to us,
In this world—
[It unfolds to our view the deepest mysteries, and gives a just comprehension of all spiritual things. It is said to contain “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [Note: Col_2:3.]; it must therefore greatly enrich its possessor [Note: Pro_3:13-15.]. The Gospel moreover imparts grace to the soul; nor can this grace be ever appreciated too highly. Our Lord tells us that it will make us truly rich [Note: Rev_3:18.]. Through the Gospel also we obtain peace in our consciences. Who can declare the value of this to a heavy-laden soul? It surpasses all estimation, as well as all understanding [Note: Php_4:7.].]
In the next world—
[The Gospel does not enrich us merely like other estates. We can hold earthly things no longer than this present life; but the benefits of the Gospel continue with us for ever. We have a more ample possession of them in the next world. Then we shall have a glorious, and incorruptible inheritance, of which earthly crowns and kingdoms convey a very faint idea. What is spoken of the Christian’s present portion may still more properly be spoken of that which he will hereafter enjoy [Note: 1Co_2:9.]. Well therefore might St. Paul represent the Gospel in such exalted terms [Note: Eph_3:8.]—]
The Gospel kingdom may also be compared to a pearl as adorning—
[Pearls are considered as ornamental to the body; but infinitely more does the Gospel adorn the soul.]
It changes the life—
[Even the most abandoned of men have yielded to its power, and that figurative representation has been realized by them [Note: Isa_11:6-8.]—]
It purifies the heart—
[The most inveterate corruptions have been mortified by it [Note: 1Co_6:11-12.], and the most heavenly dispositions implanted in their stead [Note: 1Jn_3:3.].]
It transforms into the Divine image—
[It finds men altogether “alienated from the life of God,” and bearing the character of Satan’s children [Note: Joh_8:44.]: but it renews them in all their faculties, and restores them to the very image of their God [Note: Eph_4:24.]. This effect is ascribed to it by St. Paul himself [Note: 2Co_3:18.]—How just then is that expression of the Psalmist [Note: Psa_149:4.]—! And with what propriety may the Christian exult with the prophet [Note: Isa_61:10.]—!]
With such views of the Gospel we can be at no loss to determine,
II. How it will be regarded by those who know its value—
It is not possible for them to regard it with indifference:
1. They will seek it with diligence—
[Merchants spare no pains in the pursuit of gain; much less will they who know the value of the Gospel. They will study that book wherein it is contained. They will seek instruction from those who are best qualified to explain its mysteries. They will cry to God for the teaching of his Spirit. Nor will they be satisfied with obtaining a superficial knowledge of the truth. They will follow the direction of Solomon [Note: Pro_2:4.]—and account its blessings a rich compensation for their trouble.]
2. They will part with all for it:
Their carnal enjoyments—
[It calls them to sacrifice their dearest interests, and to give up their nearest relatives for Christ’s sake [Note: Mat_10:37.]. Nor will they exclaim against this as “an hard saying.” They will not act like the Rich Youth who forsook Christ [Note: Mar_10:22.]. They will rather part with any thing, however precious, or however necessary [Note: Mat_5:29-30.].]
Their self-righteous hopes—
[There is nothing which men are more averse to renounce than their own righteousness: but a discovery of the Gospel will humble them. It will constrain them to use the language of the prophet [Note: Isa_64:6.]—Every Christian will resemble Paul in this [Note: Php_3:7-9.].]
Their very life itself—
[The love of life is inherent in us all: but the Gospel teaches us to overcome it. It requires us even to hate our lives in comparison of Christ [Note: Luk_14:26.]. A view of it will enable us to do this, and will cause us to say like the holy Apostle [Note: Act_20:24.]—]
Questions—
1. What is the daily object of our pursuit?
[Are we seeking knowledge, wealth, pleasure, honour, &c. or the establishment of this kingdom in our hearts? Let us fear lest we never should obtain this invaluable pearl; and let us follow the direction of our blessed Lord [Note: Mat_6:33.]—]
2. What have we parted with for the Gospel’s sake?
[We are not persecuted now as in former ages; but every man is called to make some sacrifices. What then have we forfeited for the sake of Christ? If we were suffered to retain only one thing, what should that one thing be? Remember, God requires a single eye, and an undivided heart [Note: Luk_11:34-35.].]
3. If you have purchased this pearl, what are you doing with it?
[It is not to be locked up, as it were, in a cabinet. You must indeed keep it carefully as a rich treasure; but you must also wear it about you as an ornament. It should have the effect on you, that converse with God produced on Moses [Note: Exo_34:35.]. In this way you will commend it to the world, and will most acceptably comply with our Lord’s direction [Note: Mat_5:16.]—]