The Pearl of Price The depth saith, it is not in me; and the sea saith, it is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
Book of Job.
I LOOKED upon a monarch's pledge of power,
His golden crown, itself a regal dower;
Pearls 'mid the garniture gleamed rich and rare,
But one, the ONE I sought, I found not there.
I saw within a maiden's bride-bower gay,
A wily trafficker his wares display,
Till with Aladdin's cave it might compare
Gorgeous with gems yet, was the pearl not there.
I traversed ocean, pierced each precious mine,
Earth's every treasure-house where bright things shine;
Saw, from the Persian wave the diver bear
Pearls goodly pearls still one was absent there.
Then from my bosom breathed a voice, "How vain
This weary search through cavern, mount, and main;
A shrine of dust, man's heart of sin and care,
Is the pearl's casket, when Christ dwelleth there!" |
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