"It is a great thing to discover the treasure hid in this field, and the unspeakable value of it. The reason why so many slight the gospel, …is because they look only upon the surface of the field, and judge by that, and so see no excellency in the Christian institutes above those of the philosophers; nay, the richest mines are often in grounds that appear most barren; and therefore they will not so much as bid for the field, much less come up to the price. What is thy beloved more than another beloved? What is the Bible more than other good books? The gospel of Christ more than Plato's philosophy, or Confucius's morals: but those who have searched the scriptures, so as in them to find Christ and eternal life (John 5:39), have discovered such a treasure in this field as makes it infinitely more valuable. Those who discern this treasure in the field, and value it aright, will never be easy till they have made it their own upon any terms…. And so intent he is upon it, that he sells all to buy this field: they who would have saving benefit by Christ, must be willing to part with all, that they may make it sure to themselves; must count everything but loss, that they may win Christ, and be found in him." – Matthew Henry |
