84 THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE. 



for, where its value was better understood, might be so 

 great, that the profit would be equivalent to a retiring 

 fortune. If, for example, he gave ten thousand pounds, 

 and sold it for sixty thousand, fifty thousand pounds 

 would be a large fortune. He might then feel it no 

 longer necessary to forego the comforts of home, to 

 brave the dangers of the deep, or encounter the perils 

 of robbers. He might return and spend the remnant 

 of his days in peace and ease in the bosom of his family. 

 Thus it fares with him who finds a pearl of great price 

 in the spiritual blessings ofi'ered in the gospel. 



And truly are they, in the inmost heart, 



As the deep waters of a hidden well ; 



Whose living freshness have a power to impart, 



Far more than e'en the poet's page can tell. 



Of pure enjoyments inexhaustible, 



Valued beyond old Ocean's rarest gem ; 



For they have power to bid the bosom swell. 



With feelings of delight that flow from them, 



E'en as the morning's rays from the sun's diadem. 



He who earnestly pursues these spiritual blessings, 

 will renounce all that is incompatible with salvation. 

 Nothing indeed can be given as the price of salvation, 

 yet much must be given up for the sake of it. Hence 

 this man is represented as purchasing the pearl. Re- 

 ceiving Christ, in all respects, to be enriched and saved 



