11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity [hevel], what is man the better [what profit is there for adam]?

—In the Scripture of truth, God has set out our destiny before us in the most intelligible terms. He pronounces us sinners by nature and practice; and because sinners, corruptible and mortal "in body, soul and spirit, the whole person;" as it is written, the wages of sin is death.

This life is probationary. We are placed here to prove ourselves worthy of the destiny we may choose.

"The gracious gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ the Lord."

Which will you? Life and Death are set before you; will you strike for freedom from the law of sin; or choose ye rather to fret out the "few and evil days," which may remain to you as the bond slaves of this perishing state, and "die accursed?"

God invites you to reconciliation; "come unto me," says Jesus, "all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Have you no ambition beyond the mean and grovelling aspirations of this animal life? Are the glories of personal decoration with silks and velvets, and gold, and precious stones, &c., the choicest brilliants after which you sigh?

Is the honour which comes from vain and foolish man, corruptible and defiled in all his parts, your highest aspiration? Is the immortality of fame with future generations, the most renowned for which you long?

Fellow mortals! Of what value are baubles, such as these, to tenants of the tomb? Are the particles of dust which once rejoiced in the glory and renown of a Nebuchadnezzar, a Cyrus, an Alexander, a Cæsar, or a Napoleon, more happy or estimable than those of a Lazarus? All these things perished in the using, and now are equally valueless to all, both of high and low degree.

Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come, Feb 1860