UNDISCOVERED RICHES
Around the turn of the 20th century, an old man living in New Jersey discovered about $85,000 in a family Bible (as um that was quite large in those days). The banks notes were scattered throughout the Book. In 1874, the aunt of the is man had died and one clause of her will was as follows: “to my beloved nephew, Steve Marsh, I will and bequeath my Bible and all it contains with the residue of my estate after my funeral expenses and just as lawful debt paid”.
The estate amounted to a few hundred dollars which were soon spent and for about 35 years, his chief support had been a small pension from the government. He lived in poverty and all the time within his reach, there was the precious Bible containing thousands of dollars sufficient for all his wants. He passed the Bible by. His eyes rested on it, perhaps his hands handles the old leather bound Bible, with his brass clasps, but he did not open it once. At last, while packing his trunk, to move to his son’s, where he intended to spend his few remaining years. He discovered the unknown riches which were in his possessions. What thoughts of regret must have come to his mind? If he only had opened that Bible years ago, he then, might have used the money to a great advantage. Instead, the treasure lay idle for 35 years. And he might have had it and enjoyed it all that time. This is a sad story! But there is something infinitely sadder than the experience of this man. It is the neglect of the Bible by God’s people. Our God has given to His people a costly treasure in His own word. In this Book of books, the riches of the wisdom and knowledge, the love and grace of God are made known. All the child of God needs spiritually is to be found on its pages. All wants are there supplied. And yet this riches put at our disposal by a loving Father, are unknown and unused riches. Instead of being enjoyed, used and in using them multiplied, they are neglected. Oh, the neglected Bible! May we arise and posses our possession. - The Gospel Standard. July, 2006. |
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