Treasures, Earthly—To be held loosely – Charles Spurgeon

SEE you not how the glittering dew-drops exhale as the day grows old—such and so fleeting are human joys. Mark how the meteor marks the brow of night, and anon is seen no more—such and so hasty is mortal bliss. Hold not earth’s treasures with too firm a grasp. Give them all up to your Father, and use them as temporary comforts borrowed for awhile, to be returned anon. Our bereavements would not be half so sharp if we always viewed our friends as being lent to us. A man does not cry when he has to return a tool which he has borrowed. No; but as an honest man he knew he borrowed it; he never called it his own, and he hands it back, thankful that he has had it so long. When you weep who have lost your friends, you do well; but if you carry that weeping to repining, you ought to recollect the mercy of God in letting you retain these dear ones at all, and in sparing them to you so long; and you should mourn that a rebellious spirit should so reign in you as to make you lament, because your God takes back his own.