Chapter 12—To Wealthy Parents
At the camp meeting in Vermont, in 1870, I felt urged by the
Spirit of God to bear a plain testimony relative to the duty of aged
and wealthy parents in the disposition of their property. I had been
shown that some men who are shrewd, prudent, and sharp in regard
to the transaction of business generally, men who are distinguished
for promptness and thoroughness, manifest a want of foresight and
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promptness in regard to a proper disposal of their property while they
are living. They know not how soon their probation may close; yet they
pass on from year to year with their business unsettled, and frequently
their lives finally close without their having the use of their reason. Or
they may die suddenly, without a moment’s warning, and their property
be disposed of in a manner that they would not have approved. These
are guilty of negligence; they are unfaithful stewards.
Christians who believe the present truth should manifest wisdom
and foresight. They should not neglect the disposition of their means,
expecting a favorable opportunity to adjust their business during a long
illness. They should have their business in such a shape that, were
they called at any hour to leave it, and should they have no voice in its
arrangement, it might be settled as they would have had it were they
alive. Many families have been dishonestly robbed of all their property
and have been subjected to poverty because the work that might have
been well done in an hour had been neglected. Those who make their
wills should not spare pains or expense to obtain legal advice and to
have them drawn up in a manner to stand the test.
I saw that those who profess to believe the truth should show their
faith by their works. They should, with the unrighteous mammon,
make friends, that they may finally be received into everlasting habita-
tions. God has made men stewards of means. He has placed in their
hands the money with which to carry forward the great work for the
salvation of souls for whom Christ left His home, His riches, His glory,
and became poor that He might, by His own humiliation and sacrifice,
bring many sons and daughters of Adam to God. In His providence the
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