i. 22. _Thy silver is become dross._
There are many valuable and good things in the world that through
varied causes are rendered comparatively useless. They once were
silver, but now they are dross. +I. The silver of thy character has
become dross because of little failings.+ There have been men known
to all of us, of good moral characters, of lofty and heroic soul, but
they were betrayed into occasional faults,[1] which many condoned,
which others magnified, but which they themselves did not correct,
until at last their silver became dross. The character depreciated in
moral worth. It was no longer current as a thing of beauty. It had
lost its value. +II. The silver of thy service has become dross
because of unholy motives.+ Christian service is a good and precious
thing, but how frequently is it rendered useless and vain by pride,
by thoughts of self, and by secular motive.[2] It is, indeed, as
silver when rendered by a pure and loving heart, but alas! it too
often becomes dross because of the unhallowed sentiment of the soul.
The mite of the widow cast into the treasury was as silver, but the
munificent gifts of the Pharisees were as dross. How much of the
service rendered to the great God in the pulpit, pew, and school, is
but dross! This is a solemn thought. +III. The silver of thy money
has become dross because of selfishness.+ We cannot estimate the
wealth of a man by the money he has in possession, but often far
better by the money he gives away. When men keep their riches to
themselves, solely for their own use, they cease to be rich--they are
laden with coin that is not current; their silver has become dross.
Liberality makes money worth its value.[3] Generosity preserves
wealth from all degenerating influences. How many so-called rich men
have more dross than silver in this world. +IV. The silver of thy
talents has become dross because of indolence.+ Silver is bright when
kept in use. Talents are valuable when active. The mind has talents
of thought and sympathy and love. The hand has talents of help. The
mouth has talents of blessing. Take care that thy silver does not
become as dross.--_J. S. Exell._