November 14 — The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Treasure

Matt xiii. 44.

Consider, first, that. By the kingdom of heaven, in this and many other places in the Gospel, we are to understand that heav» enly kingdom, by which God reigns, by his grace, in our souls; a heavenly kingdom indeed, which we are commanded to seek in the first place, (Matt. vi. 33,) and which we are taught daily to pray for, in the second petition of the Lord’s prayer. Now, this kingdom of grace in our souls is here likened to a treasure, because of its inestimable value; it is worth more than all the kingdoms of the earth; it brings God himself into our souls, to live and reign for ever there. But then it is a hidden treasure, because the children of this world are strangers to the true value of It; and though they have heard of the held (of virtue and devotion) where it is to be found, by seeking and by digging for it, they are far more fond of the childish toys, which amuse them at present, than of a treasure unseen; and therefore they are unwilling to be either at the charges of purchasing this field, or at the pains of digging for this treasure. Not so the man in the Gospel, who, having discovered this treasure, sets his whole heart upon it, hides it diligently, and, /or the joy thereof, goes and sells all he has, and buys that field. See, my soul, if this be thy disposition. Dost thou consider this kingdom of divine grace as a treasure indeed, and the richest of all treasures? Is thy heart set upon it? for where thy treasure is there thy heart will he. Art thou willing to purchase, at any rate, that blessed field, where this treasure lies?

Consider, secondly, the lessons we are taught, by our Lord, in this parable; particularly with regard to the value we ought to set upon divine grace, and The great esteem and affection we ought to have for our spiritual advancement, and for all such things as may help our souls forward, and bring them nearer to our God. We are here also taught, that the Christian, who desires to secure to himself this heavenly treasure, which he has begun to discover, must not make a show of it, by ostentation or vain-glory, which would be the direct way to lose it, but must hide it, by humility; like a traveller, who, carrying a treasure about him, endeavours to conceal it, for fear of robbers. Moreover we are taught, that, to make this treasure our own, we must purchase Me /e/c? where it lies; and that this purchase will stand us in all we are worth. This field, in which this spiritual treas ure is concealed, is rie wisdom; it is a devout and virtuous life j it is the following of Christ in good earnest, and being hi's true disciples. Now, to purchase a field of so great a value as this is, we must part with all things else; that is, we mustgi\e up all other affections, to embrace and follow Christ; but then, in exchange, he, on his part, will make over to us all his treasures, and himself into the bargain.

Consider, thirdly, Christian souls, iryou desire to have a share 111 so great a happiness, by what steps you are to advance towards it, and to come to the possession of it. And, first, you must be convinced, by the word of God, and by the light of faith, that there is a treasure of inestimable value, designed by your heavenly Father fur you, to enrich you, both for time and eternity, if you will but make use of the proper means to find it out, and to make it your own. The next step must be, to conceive a great esteem for this heavenly treasure, an ardent desire to acquire it, and a strong resolution to spare neither pains nor costs in the acquisition of it. This desire and resolution must be followed by a diligent inquiry after the field of wisdom and virtue, where this treasure is hidden, and then digging there till it is found. Now, all this is to be effected by the exercise of consideration and mental prayer. Yes, my soul, it is by daily opening thy eyes to the light of God, and to his divine truths, in meditation, that thou shaft both learn what a treasure there is in virtue, and how thou art to be put in possession ofit. Here thou shalt discover the beauty of holiness, how sweet it is to love God, and how happy to serve him in good earnest; here thou shaft be inflamed with a fervent desire of procuring for thyself so great a happiness, and with a holy hunger and thirst after it. The pondering well, by deep consideration, eternal truths, is like digging for the treasure of the kingdom of heaven; and the affections and resolutions of the soul, by which she is determined, at all events, to consecrate the remainder of her life to divine love, is like selling all to purchase the field, where this treasure is deposited.

Conclude t) use thy best endeavours to seek without ceasing for this treasure of the kingdom of heaven, in the field of virtue iuid devotion, and to dig daily for it, by the daily exercise of meditation ar d mental prayer; and tliou shaft not fail to find it