《评论与通讯》
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
1857年11月26日
“他就忧忧愁愁地走了，因为他的产业很多”
1857年10月8日，在蒙特里，我在异象中蒙指示看到许多守安息日之人的状况就像那个来到耶稣面前询问该做什么才能承受永生的青年人那样。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 1}
“有一个人来见耶稣，说：‘良善的夫子，我该做什么善事才能得永生?’{RH November 26, 1857, par. 2}
“耶稣对他说：‘你为什么称我是良善的?除了上帝以外，没有一个良善的。你若要进入永生，就当遵守诫命。’{RH November 26, 1857, par. 3}
“他说：‘什么诫命?’耶稣说：‘就是不可杀人;不可奸淫;不可偷盗;不可作假见证;当孝敬父母，又当爱人如己。’{RH November 26, 1857, par. 4}
“那少年人说：‘这一切我都遵守了，还缺少什么呢?’{RH November 26, 1857, par. 5}
“耶稣说：‘你若愿意作完全人，可去变卖你所有的，分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上;你还要来跟从我。’{RH November 26, 1857, par. 6}
“那少年人听见这话，就忧忧愁愁地走了，因为他的产业很多。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 7}
“耶稣对门徒说：‘我实在告诉你们，财主进天国是难的。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 8}
“我又告诉你们，骆驼穿过针的眼，比财主进上帝的国还容易呢!’{RH November 26, 1857, par. 9}
“门徒听见这话，就希奇得很，说：‘这样谁能得救呢?’{RH November 26, 1857, par. 10}
“耶稣看着他们，说：‘在人这是不能的，在上帝凡事都能’”(太19:16-26)。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 11}
耶稣对那个青年人引用的后六条诫命中的五条，也是后六条诫命所维系的第二个最大的诫命。那位青年人自以为遵守了这些诫命。耶稣没有提到包含我们对上帝的本分的前四条诫命。在回答那青年人的问题“我还缺少什么呢?”的时候，耶稣对他说：“你若愿意作完全人，可去变卖你所有的，分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上。”{RH November 26, 1857, par. 12}
这就是他所缺少的。他没有遵守前四条诫命，也没有遵守后六条。他没有爱邻舍如同自己。耶稣说：“分给穷人。”耶稣谈到了他的财产：“去变卖你所有的，分给穷人。”这就直接指出了他的偶像。他爱财富为至上，所以不能尽心，尽性，尽意地爱上帝。这种爱财至上的心使他闭眼不看同胞的需要。他没有爱邻舍如同自己，所以他没有遵守后六条诫命。他的心是在他的财宝上，被他地上的财产吞没了。他爱自己的财产过于爱上帝，过于爱天上的财宝。他从耶稣口中听到了进入永生的条件。若是他愿意变卖所有的，分给穷人，他就会有财宝在天上。这里是一个试验，看他重视永生有多少过于财富。他急切地抓住永生的希望了吗?他认真地努力消除那挡在他拥有天上财宝之道路上的障碍了吗?唉，没有;他“忧忧愁愁的走了，因为他的产业很多。”{RH November 26, 1857, par. 13}
我蒙指示注意这些话：“骆驼穿过针的眼，比财主进上帝的国还容易呢!”耶稣说：“在人这是不能的，在上帝凡事都能。”天使说：“上帝会允许财主保留自己的财富，却又进入上帝的国吗?”另一位天使回答道：“不，决不会。”{RH November 26, 1857, par. 14}
我看到上帝的计划是这些财富应该予以适合地使用，分出去使贫困的人得福，并且用来推进上帝的工作。我看到人们若爱自己的财富过于爱同胞，过于爱上帝或圣经的真理，他们的心若是在自己的财宝上，就不能拥有永生。他们会宁愿放弃真理也不变卖所有的，分给穷人。在这里他们受试验，要看他们对上帝的爱有多少，对真理的爱有多少;像圣经中的那个青年人一样，许多人忧忧愁愁地走了，因为他们不能既拥有自己的财富又有财宝在天上。他们不可兼得二者;于是他们就冒险丧失永生而保有属世的财产。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 15}
“骆驼穿过针的眼，比财主进上帝的国还容易呢!”然后我看到在上帝凡事都能。真理若藉着上帝的灵在人心安家，就会把对财富的爱挤出去。因为爱耶稣和爱钱财，是不能同住于一个心内的。只要上帝的爱能超过爱财的心，那人便会脱离他的财富，而把情意转移向上帝。于是藉着他对上帝的爱，他就会被引领去服侍上帝圣工的需要。他最大的喜乐，就是能正确地处理上帝的资产。他对上帝和同胞的爱既成为主导，并且不将自己的一切视为己有，乃以上帝的管家身份，忠心地履行职责。于是他就能遵守头四条和后六条诫命。“你要尽心，尽性、尽意、爱主你的上帝。”“又要爱邻舍如同自己。”这样，有钱的人也可进入上帝的国了。“凡为我的名撇下房屋，或是弟兄、姐妹、父亲、母亲、妻子、儿女、田地的，必要得着百倍，并且承受永生。然而，有许多在前的，将要在后;在后的，将要在前”(太19:29,30)。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 16}
这就是那些为上帝牺牲的人所得的赏赐。他们除了今生得着百倍之外，还要承受永生。我看到，“然而，有许多在前的，将要在后;在后的，将要在前。”我蒙指示见到那些接受真理却不实行真理的人。他们依靠自己的财产，不愿分送自己的财富以推进上帝的圣工。他们没有信心去冒险并倚赖上帝。他们对这世界的爱吞没了他们的信心。上帝要求他们的部分财产，但他们不听从。他们推理说自己辛苦作工才获得财产，不愿把它借给主，因为自己可能会有需要的时候。“你们小信的人哪!”那在饥荒时期照顾以利亚的上帝，必不忽略祂每一个自我牺牲的儿女。祂连他们的头发都数过了，必照顾他们，并在饥荒的日子使他们得到满足。虽有恶人在他们周围因缺粮倒毙，他们粮和水却必不断绝。那些仍然依靠自己地上财宝的，不愿正确处置上帝所借给他们的财产的人，必要丧失他们在天上的财宝，丧失永生。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 17}
我看到上帝根据祂天意的安排感动了一些拥有财富之人的心，使他们悔改归向真理，以便他们用自己的财产帮助维持祂的工作运转。若是那些有钱的人不愿做这事，若是他们不实行上帝的旨意，祂就会越过他们，兴起别人来充任他们的位置，那些人则愿意实现祂的旨意，高兴地分送他们的财产以满足上帝圣工的需要。这样，他们就会成为在前的。上帝在祂的圣工中，必有愿意这样做的人。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 18}
我看到上帝能够从天上送下资财来推进祂的工作;但这不符合祂的旨意。祂已命定人要做祂的工具。主为救赎他们既已作出了伟大的牺牲，他们就该在救人的工作上出一份力量，彼此作出牺牲，并藉此表明他们多么高度重视为他们做出的牺牲。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 19}
我蒙指示注意《雅各书》5章：“嗐!你们这些富足人哪，应当哭泣、号啕，因为将有苦难临到你们身上。你们的财物坏了，衣服也被虫子咬了。你们的金银都长了锈;那锈要证明你们的不是，又要吃你们的肉，如同火烧。你们在这末世只知积攒钱财。”{RH November 26, 1857, par. 20}
我看到这些可怕的话尤其适用于自称相信现代真理的富人。主呼召他们用他们的钱财推进祂的圣工。有许多机会提供给他们，但他们闭眼不看圣工的需要，紧紧依恋他们地上的财宝。他们对世界的爱大过对真理的爱，对同胞的爱，对上帝的爱。祂要求他们的财产，但他们自私贪心地偏留了自己所有的。他们偶尔奉献一点以安抚自己的良心，但没有制服他们爱世界的心。他们不为上帝牺牲。主已兴起了别的人，这些人重视永生，而且能对灵魂的价值有所感受和认识，他们已慷慨地奉献自己的钱财来推进上帝的圣工。这项工作快要结束;不久那些偏留自己的财富、大农场、牲畜等人的钱财，就不需要了。我看到主忿怒地对这样的人重述这句话：“你们这些富足人哪，走吧。”祂呼召了，但你们不愿听从。爱这世界的心已淹没了祂的声音。现在祂用不着你们了，让你们走，吩咐你们说：“你们这些富足人哪，走吧。”{RH November 26, 1857, par. 21}
我看到这样被主放走是一件可怕的事。当祂已经说了我们若变卖所有的周济穷人，就可积攒财宝在天上时，我们在此世偏留必朽坏的财产乃是一件可怕的事。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 22}
我蒙指示见到在这工作结束，真理以大能被传开时，这些富人会把他们的钱财带来，将之放在上帝仆人的脚前，求他们接受。而上帝仆人的回答将是：“你们这些富足人哪，走吧，不需要你们的钱财了。当你们能用这钱财行善，推进上帝的圣工时，你们扣留了它。贫困的人已受了苦;他们没有因你们的钱财得福。上帝现在不愿接受你们的财富。走吧，你们这些富足人!”{RH November 26, 1857, par. 23}
然后我蒙指示看到这些话：“工人给你们收割庄稼，你们亏欠他们的工钱，这工钱有声音呼叫，并且那收割之人的冤声已经入了万军之主的耳了”(雅5:4)。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 24}
我看到这一切的财富并非都是取之有道。上帝并没有参与。这些钱财的获得多与撒但有关，少与上帝有关。他们的财产多是藉着欺压雇工人的工价得来的。本性贪婪的富人藉着压榨雇工得到他的财富，只要可能就占个人的便宜，由此增加的财富会吃他的肉，如同火烧。有些人还没有采取一种严格忠实而可敬的行径。这等人必须改变其行径，并赶快做工去赎回光阴。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 25}
我看到许多守安息日的人在这事上有了错误。他们甚至在贫苦的弟兄身上占便宜，那些已经很富有的人，将许多东西抬高价钱，过于其实际的价值，或是过于他自己为买这同样东西时所愿出的，以至叫那些贫苦的弟兄们觉得为难，及感到无钱之苦。这一切的事，上帝都知道。每一自私的行为，每一贪婪的勒索，将来都要受报应的。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 26}
我见到人若不体贴弟兄的处境，乃是残忍及不义。如果他境遇很苦，虽已尽了一切所能的，还是很穷，就应当给他一些优待。他向富人购买东西，也不应实收全价;他们应当存满腹同情之心。上帝必嘉许这种仁风义举，行这事的人也必不失其报赏。但是我看到许多遵守安息日的人，因为有鄙吝及贪婪的行为，将来就有一笔可怕的账要和他们清算。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 27}
我蒙指示回想到当初只有少数人听从及信仰真理之时的情形。他们没有多少今生世上的财物。圣工的需要，都是由这少数的人去分担。有时有些人不得不变卖其房屋田地，改住更便宜的简陋房宅，以便他们的钱可以甘心慷慨地借给主，去印刷真理书报，或作其他的资助，以推进圣工。我观看这些克己牺牲的人，见到他们为圣工的益处而过着艰苦的生活。我见到一位天使站在他们旁边，对他们指着天上，并说：“你们有钱囊在天上!你们在天上的钱囊是永不坏的!务要忍耐到底，你们所要得的报赏是伟大的!”{RH November 26, 1857, par. 28}
我看见上帝一直在感动人心。那少数的人作过重大的牺牲，以便把真理传给别人，现在这真理已得了胜利，许许多多的人都得了真理。上帝本其美意所安排的，感动许多有钱的人，引他们归向真理，以便在圣工扩大之时，教会的需要可以得到应付。大量的钱财已流入守安息日之人的手中。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 29}
我见到上帝在此时并不要祂子民卖掉所需要居住的房屋，只有那些贵重华美的房屋，应当交换些更便宜的。但若是那些很富足的人，不听主的声音，不割舍这世界，不肯出卖一部分的田产财物，为上帝牺牲，上帝就要撇下他们，而呼召那些肯为耶稣作一切事，甚至于出卖自己的房屋，以应圣工需要的人们。上帝接受人乐意的奉献。凡奉献的人，都应当看这奉献乃是自己的特权。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 30}
我见过有些人大量奉献，但不觉得缺乏。他们没有为基督的圣工做什么特别舍己的事。他们仍拥有心里想要的一切。他们慷慨而衷心地奉献。上帝重视他们的奉献，也知道他们的行动和动机，并将之确实地记了下来。他们不会失去他们的奖赏。你们不能如此慷慨奉献的人不可藉口说因为自己不能像别的什么人奉献的一样多。要做你们所能做的。要舍弃一些你们若没有也能过活的物品，为上帝的圣工有所牺牲。要像那个穷寡妇一样，投进你的两个小钱。你就会实际上比所有那些奉献大量钱财的人奉献的还多。你也会知道舍己、周济穷人、为真理牺牲，和积财在天是多么的美好。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 31}
我蒙指示，年轻人，尤其是自称信奉真理的年轻人，还有舍己的功课要学。我看到如果他们为真理做更多的牺牲，就会更加高度重视真理。真理就会感动他们的心，净化他们的生活，他们也会认真理为更宝贵更神圣的。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 32}
我看到年轻人没有负起上帝圣工的责任，或者说没有感到对圣工有何责任。是因为上帝已免去他们的责任了吗?不是的;我看到他们是自己推诿了!他们是安逸的，而让别人肩负重担。他们没有认识到他们不是自己的人。他们的力量、光阴，都不是他们自己的。他们是用重价买来的。已为他们付上了昂贵的代价。他们若不具有舍己和牺牲的精神，就决不能拥有不朽的基业。{RH November 26, 1857, par. 33}
怀爱伦
November 26, 1857
“He Went Away Sorrowful, for He Had Great Possessions”
At Monterey, October 8th, 1857, I was shown in vision that the condition of many Sabbath-keepers was like the young man who came to Jesus to know what he should do to inherit eternal life.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 1}
“And behold, one came, and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life??{RH November 26, 1857, par. 2}
“And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is God: but, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 3}
“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 4}
“The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet??{RH November 26, 1857, par. 5}
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 6}
“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 7}
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 8}
“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 9}
“When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved??{RH November 26, 1857, par. 10}
“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”?Matthew 19:16-26.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 11}
Jesus quoted five of the last six commandments to the young man, also the second great commandment on which the last six commandments hang. These mentioned, he thought he had kept. Jesus did not mention the first four commandments, containing our duty to God. In answer to the inquiry of the young man, What lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 12}
Here was his lack. He failed of keeping the first four commandments, also the last six. He failed of loving his neighbor as himself. Said Jesus, “Give to the poor.” Jesus touches his possessions. “Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor.” In this direct reference he pointed out his idol. His love of riches was supreme, therefore it was impossible for him to love God with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his mind. And this supreme love for his riches shut his eyes to the wants of his fellow men. He did not love his neighbor as himself, therefore he failed to keep the last six commandments. His heart is on his treasure. It is swallowed up with his earthly possessions. He loves his possessions better than God, better than the heavenly treasure. He heard the conditions from the mouth of Jesus. If he would sell and give to the poor, he should have treasure in heaven. Here was a test of how much higher he prized eternal life than his riches. Did he eagerly lay hold of the prospect of eternal life? Did he earnestly strive to remove the obstacle that was in his way of having a treasure in heaven? O, no, “he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 13}
I was pointed to these words, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Said Jesus, “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Said the angel, “Will God permit the rich men to keep their riches, and yet they enter into the kingdom of God?” Said another angel, “No, never.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 14}
I saw that it was God’s plan that these riches should be used properly, and distributed to bless the needy, and to advance the work of God. I saw that if men love their riches better than their fellow men, better than God, or the truth of his word, and their hearts are on their riches, they cannot have eternal life. They would rather yield the truth, than sell and give to the poor. Here they are proved to see how much God is loved, how much the truth is loved, and like the young man in the Bible, many go away sorrowful, because they cannot have their riches and a treasure in heaven too. They cannot have both. They venture to risk their chance of eternal life for a worldly possession.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 15}
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Then I saw that with God all things are possible. Truth set home to the heart by the Spirit of God, will crowd out the love of riches. The love of Jesus and riches cannot dwell in the same heart. The love of God so far surpasses the love of riches, that the possessor breaks away from his riches and transfers his affections to God. And then he is led through his love to God, to administer to the wants of God’s cause. It is his highest pleasure to make a right disposition of his Lord’s goods. Love to God and his fellow men predominates, and he holds all that he has as not his own, and faithfully discharges his duty as God’s steward. Then can he keep the first four commandments, and the last six. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” In this way it is possible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 16}
Here is the reward for those who sacrifice for God. They receive an hundred fold in this life, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many, I saw, that are first, shall be last, and the last shall be first. I was shown those who receive the truth, but do not live it. They cling to their possessions, and are not willing to distribute of their substance to advance the cause of God. They have no faith to venture and trust God. Their love of this world swallows up their faith. God has called for a portion of their substance, but they heed it not. They reason thus, that they have labored hard to obtain what they have, and they cannot lend it to the Lord, for they may come to want. “O ye of little faith!” That God who cared for Elijah in the time of famine, will not pass by one of his self-sacrificing children. He that has numbered the hairs of their head, will care for them, and in days of famine they will be satisfied. While the wicked are perishing all around them for want of bread, their bread and water will be sure. Those who will still cling to their earthly treasure, and will not make a right disposition of that which is lent them of God, will lose their treasure in heaven, lose everlasting life.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 17}
I saw that God in his providence has moved upon the hearts of some of those who have riches, and has converted them to the truth, that they with their substance may assist to keep his work moving. And if those who are wealthy will not do this, if they do not fulfill the purpose of God, he will pass them by, and raise up others to fill their place who will fulfill his purpose, and with their possessions gladly distribute to meet the necessities of the cause of God. In this they will be first. God will have those in his cause who will do this.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 18}
I saw that God could send means from heaven to carry on his work; but this is out of his order. He has ordained that men should be his instruments, that as a great sacrifice was made to redeem them, they should act a part in this work of salvation, by making a sacrifice for each other, and by thus doing show how highly they prize the sacrifice that has been made for them.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 19}
I was directed to?James 5. “Go to, now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 20}
I saw that these fearful words apply particularly to the wealthy who profess to believe the present truth. The Lord calls them to use their means to advance his cause. Opportunities are presented to them, but they shut their eyes to the wants of the cause, and cling fast to their earthly treasure. Their love of the world is greater than their love of the truth, the love of their fellow men, or their love to God. He has called for their substance, but they selfishly, covetously, retain what they have. They give a little now and then to ease their conscience, but have not overcome their love for this world. They do not sacrifice for God. The Lord has raised up others that prize eternal life, that can feel and realize something of the value of the soul, and their means they have freely bestowed to advance the cause of God. The work is closing; the rich men have kept their riches, their large farms, their cattle, &c. Their means are not wanted then, and I saw the Lord turn to them in anger in wrath, and repeat these words: “Go to, now, ye rich men.” He has called, but you would not hear. Love of this world has drowned his voice. Now he has no use for you, and lets you go, bidding you, “Go to, now, ye rich men.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 21}
Oh, I saw it was an awful thing thus to be let go by the Lord. A fearful thing to hold on to a perishable substance here, when he has told you, if you will sell and give alms, you can lay up treasure in heaven.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 22}
I was shown that as the work was closing up, and the truth going forth in mighty power, these rich men will bring their means and lay it at the feet of the servants of God, begging them to accept it. The answer from the servants of God is, “Go to, now, ye rich men. Your means are not needed. Ye withheld it when ye could do good with it in advancing the cause of God. The needy have suffered, they have not been blessed by your means. God will not accept your riches now. Go to, now, ye rich men.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 23}
Then I was directed to these words: “Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth.”?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 24}
I saw that God was not in ALL the riches that have been obtained. Satan has much more to do with it than God. It has, much of it, been obtained by oppressing the hireling in his wages. The natural, covetous, rich man has obtained these riches by grinding down the hireling, and taking advantage of individuals where he could, and adding to his treasure here, that will eat his flesh as it were fire. A strictly honest, honorable course has not been taken by some. Such must work fast and take a very different course to redeem the time.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 25}
I saw that many Sabbath-keepers are at fault here. Advantage is taken even of their poor brethren, and those who have of their abundance exact more than the real worth of things, more than they would pay for the same thing, while these same brethren are embarrassed and distressed for want of means. God knows all these things. Every selfish act, every covetous extortion, will bring its reward.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 26}
I saw it was cruel and unjust to have no consideration of a brother’s situation. If he is distressed, or poor, yet doing the best he can, allowance should be made for him, and even the full value of the things he may purchase of the wealthy should not be exacted; but they should have bowels of compassion for him. God will approve of such kindly acts, and the doer will not lose his reward. But I saw a fearful account will stand against many Sabbath-keepers for close, covetous acts.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 27}
I was pointed back, and saw when there was but few that listened to, and embraced the truth, they had not much of this world’s goods. The wants of the cause were divided among a very few. Then there was a necessity for houses and lands to be sold and obtain cheaper to serve them as a shelter or home, while their means were freely, and generously lent to the Lord, to publish the truth, and to otherwise aid in advancing the cause of God. As I beheld these self-sacrificing ones, I saw they had endured privation for the benefit of the cause. I saw an angel standing by them pointing them upward, and saying these words, “Ye have bags in heaven!” “Ye have bags in heaven, that wax not old! Endure unto the end, and great will be thy reward.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 28}
I saw that God had been moving on hearts. The truth that a few sacrificed so much for, in order to get it before others, has triumphed, and multitudes have laid hold of it. God has in his providence moved upon those that have means and has brought them into the truth, that as the work of God increases, the wants of the cause may be met. Much means are brought into the ranks of Sabbath-keepers.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 29}
I saw that at present God did not call for the houses his people need to live in, unless expensive houses are exchanged for cheaper ones. But if those who have of their abundance do not hear his voice, and cut loose from the world, and dispose of a portion of their property and lands, and sacrifice for God, he will pass them by, and call for those who are willing to do anything for Jesus, even to sell their homes to meet the wants of the cause. God will have a free-will offering. Those who give must esteem it a privilege to do so.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 30}
I have seen that some give of their abundance, but yet they feel no lack. They do not particularly deny themselves of any thing for the cause of Christ. They still have all that heart can wish. They give liberally, and heartily. God regards it, and the action and motive is known, and strictly marked by him. They will not lose their reward. You that cannot bestow so liberally, must not excuse yourselves, because you cannot do as much as some others. Do what you can. Deny yourself of some article that you can do without, and sacrifice for the cause of God. Like the widow, cast in your two mites. You will actually give more than all those who have given of their abundance. And you will know how sweet it is to give to the needy, to deny self, and sacrifice for the truth, and lay up treasure in heaven.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 31}
I was shown that the young, especially, young men, who profess the truth have yet a lesson of self-denial to learn. I saw that if they made more sacrifice for the truth, they would esteem the truth more highly. It would affect their hearts, purify their lives, and they would hold it more dear and sacred.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 32}
I saw that the young do not take the burden, or feel the responsibility of the cause of God. Is it because God has excused them? Oh, no. I saw that they excuse themselves. They are eased, and others are burdened. They do not realize that they are not their own. Their strength, their time, is not their own. They are bought with a price. A dear sacrifice was made for them, and unless they possess the spirit of self-denial, and sacrifice, they can never possess the immortal inheritance.?{RH November 26, 1857, par. 33}
E. G. W.
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