The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1886-01-28

When Christ Jesus, addressing the null
titude, thus spoke of treasures, it was in
the way of admonition, and warning
against laying up treasures that could
not profit the soul. The term treasure
may take very wide range or scope, as
to its meaning. The treasures of earth
are many and varied, and amid those
which come to bless and please, there
may perhaps creep in some stray gems,
the glare of which will blind the vision,
and like a will-o'-the-wisp lure the senses
far from the path of righteousness and
duty.
One may lay up treasures without
present consciousness of the fact. The
processes of reward are going on all the
time, and treasure after treasure is stored
away, perhaps to be brought to light
when least expected, and as it often hap
pens, when least desired. Many a soul
does not know that each little act merits
it's reward And the great fact that this
laying-up is controlled by something be-
yond the scope of human affairs, makes
the laying up of such a store inconven-
lent and dangerous. Do kindly act, and
the matter is noted, and the treasure laid
up. Speak a pleasant word to an unfor-
tunate neighbor, or fellow creature, and
that fact is accorded it's treasure. Speak
an unkind word, or cast an ungenerOus
glance in an attempt to slur your less
fortunate fellow-creature, or, in fact, >daay
fellow-creature. and, rest assured, that
fact is assigned it's merited reward.
VIII there not, in some great day, be a
terrible disappointment when the treas
ure-seekers of earth come to garner the
fruits of their labors? May there not be
many souls vividly and suddenly awak-
ened to sense of misguided labors and
lost or abused privileges? Not all of
those who upon the surface of their
everyday life, give greatest indications of
righteousness and Christian rectitude,
are surest of a pleasant reward. All
will be remembered-but how? That is
the important fact.
A friend told US, a short time ago, of
an old class-leader in a country circuit
who became quite enthusiastic in re-
vival meeting. Any amount of earnest
exhortation had been indulged in. The
beauties of the Christian life, the joy of
eternal peace, the glory of Heaven, had
been painted in glowing and homely
terms. But the sinners blindly sat and
slumbered in sin. Something had to be
| done. Personal appeal was the only
thing left, and the old leader started OH a
solemn walk through the congregation,
going up one aisle and down another,
shouting at the top of his voice: eff it
warn't fur the fear O. hell I wouldn't be
here!" Of course the effect was to some
degree electrical. Here was good man,
one whom they knew to be solid in busi-
ness and shrewd in horse trade, and to
cheat whom would be harder task than
whiting flint with tooth-pick, and
being scared into heaven. In the Great
Book this certificate of deposit stood in
his favor: 'By lifetime of cowardice." !"
In another community, and on another
occasion, good brother arose in class
meeting, and addressed himself more par
ticularly to the young men. "Why, my
young friends" said he, you can't be
anything in the world until you join the
Church and seek salvation. You'd be
much more successful in business, and
get along better in every way. Comel"
And in the Great Book was entered "By
Avaricious Motives
In other circumstances sister adj
dressed her fellow-sisters and attendant
young ladies with "If you but join the
Church, no matter what people may say
of you, your good name will stand upon
the Church book, and no matter what
your experience with the world, that
name, on that book, will stand as sign
of your protection" And the Recording
Angel hastily scribled: "By Seeking a
Mask"
And so the experiences go on, from
time to time. But the Imagination de-
lights to paint, from time to time, the
picture of the opening of the books, in
that great day and the reading of the
balances standing in favor of Gods chill
dren. But the vision does not CORES
pond entirely with the preconceived ideas
of the laying up of treasures, from an
earthly view. In fact there are some
who, like the old German of the story,
are notified that they may enter the
SdCcS, UuG NY d 1Cly GlSAU ou4uCCAO. Ao
the entries of fear, avarice, and kindred
causes for Church life are read,
they are received with different
degrees of ecstacy, till at last awaiting
souls are electrified by the entry "from
pure love of God" And as the mind
pauses to reflect upon that class of treas
ures, the Recording Angel adds 'and this
one shall be greatest in the Kingdom of
Heaven"
Then there is an awakening to the fact
| that great multitude have been living
| under mistaken idea of the true Chris
| tian spirit. The only motive which
should prompt the human heart to turn
| to God is love of it's maker, and not fear
of punishment, or as matter of conven-
| ience or profit. 1t is natural that hu-
manity should shrink from punishment.
There is something repugnant in the
idea of enduring the consequences of dis
] obedience. But the great treasure of
love for the Creator of the Universe, is
the one priceless treasure which every
soul should lay up. And it may be that
it is the only one which can avail in the
great day when mankind shall be called
| to give account of the deeds done in the
body.
| There are no conditions to be consid-
cred on that day. The case will then
have been made up, and the evidence all
submitted to the Great Judge. There
can be no bill of exceptions, no appeal.