The pearl of great price, mentioned, (Matthew 13:46) being a figurative expression to denote the preciousness of Jesus and his salvation, may serve, to explain wherefore it is that the glories of Christ's person, and the beauty of his church in him, are so often set forth in Scripture under the similitude of pearls, and rubies, and precious stones. The Hebrews called pearls peninim, (Job 28:18 and Proverbs 20:15) the same word is translated rubies. Some have considered them therefore as one and the same; but certainly they are very distinct things; however, the spiritual sense in that which relates to Christ and his church may be called both. Hence the description of the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:21) And indeed it is very blessed to eye Jesus under all the loveliness of everything we meet with in the whole compass of creation, both in the kingdoms of nature, providence, grace, and glory. All that is lovely, or beautiful, or useful, or ornamental, all derive their exellency from him. Jesus and his salvation surpasseth the gold of Ophir, the topaz of ?thiopia, and all the pearls and rubies of the world. So Jesus hath said, and so all his redeemed know it to be true: "Riches and honour are with me; (saith Christ) yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver." (Proverbs 8:18-19)