IN THE Australian gold rush years ago two brothers were working their claim on the Kingower diggings, when one of them struck his pick on something hard. He knew by the sound that it was not a boulder, and after a little scraping he discovered it was gold. The men covered their treasure and toiled on with pick and shovel until they got it free. Lo and behold, it was a solid mass of gold, as much as one man could lift, and worth a fabulous sum.
They succeeded in keeping it from the eyes of others who were also working about them. When evening came they used much secrecy and precaution, and succeeded in getting it to their tent where they buried it six feet under the ground; and there it lay for months.
The brothers toiled on at their claim until they made about $2,000.00. Then they bought a cart, quietly unearthed their treasure, carted it off to Melbourne, and placed it in one of the banks. There was now no longer need of secrecy, and while they were on their way to England with their wonderful find, thousands more were rushing to the Kingower field in hope of finding more of the precious metal.
The immense nugget the brothers had found weighed 146 pounds and was sold for $60,000.00 ($100,000.00 today). They became rich overnight.
There are millions of people today in the world who are seeking after wealth. No doubt many think a sum much less than $60,000 would make them comfortable and happy. How was it with our gold finder? He became a merchant and shipowner, and doubtless thought he was of some importance in the world. But this, hover, lasted only a short time. The truth of the scripture was proved in his case: “Riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Prov. 23:55Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (Proverbs 23:5). He lost everything. Without property, without riches, he was glad to find work as a laborer. For a time he worked in a lumber camp in Canada. At last he was found dead in a lonely area of the Ontario woods, his poor body eaten by animals. How sad an end! Where now are his riches? Of what value was his gain?
Dear young readers, seek after the “durable riches and righteousness” (Prov. 8:1818Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (Proverbs 8:18)) which God gives to those that seek Him, and which can never be taken away. Come to Christ! If you possess Him you are rich for time and for eternity. You have that which is better than gold; you will have that which will give peace, and comfort and joy, and your riches will abide.
If you are without Christ, what will the end be for you? You may not die alone in the dreary forest; plenty of friends may surround your dying bed, something of this world’s wealth may be yours. But oh, you must pass alone into the other world — without Christ, without salvation, without joy, without hope. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).
Come now to Christ, before it is too late. He’ll wash your sins away in His precious blood now, so that you will never come into judgment. Come and be rich and be happy forever. He Himself invites you. COME!
ML-10/27/1963