16. INDIFFERENCE TO THE WORLD.
16. INDIFFERENCE TO THE WORLD.
My soul has but a dusky color, an earthly hue—because earth engrosses my thoughts, my cares and concerns. O how little converse have I with the unseen world! how little communion with God! One step into the future world will render my present existence, as if it had never been.
Because this world will cheat me, shall I cheat myself? It will be a costly bargain, to give it my soul until I yield my body to its dust. Wherein shall the expectant of glory excel others—if his causes and cures of joy and grief are the same?
Should one who would gladly be conversant about the world to come—so much concern himself with wind and vanity, dust and ashes? Bags of 'yellow dust' may bring me to a throne here—but the whole world on my back, will not procure me entrance into the palace of the King Eternal.
When arrived at the seats of bliss, it will not matter whether my journey was in the fair day of prosperity and fame; or in the tempestuous day of affliction and disgrace. Both are forgotten in glory.
But if I love God, I will long to be with him, for I shall never get my fill of love in a foreign land. Well, death is fast approaching, and the wondrous hour that divides Jordan. Both deliver me from this howling desert—and possess me of the land of promise. Under such a prospect, well may I with cheerfulness give up my life, saying—into your hand I commit my spirit.