Chapter 61—A Contract With God
When a verbal or written pledge has been made in the presence of
our brethren, to give a certain amount, they are the visible witnesses
of a contract made between ourselves and God. The pledge is not
made to man, but to God, and is as a written note given to a neighbor.
No legal bond is more binding upon the Christian for the payment of
money, than a pledge made to God.
Persons who thus pledge to their fellow men do not generally think
of asking to be released from their pledges. A vow made to God, the
giver of all favors, is of still greater importance; then why should we
seek to be released from our vows to God? Will man consider his
promise less binding because made to God? Because his vow will not
be put to trial in courts of justice, is it less valid? Will a man who
professes to be saved by the blood of the infinite sacrifice of Jesus
Christ, “rob God”? Are not his vows and his actions weighed in the
balances of justice in the heavenly courts?
Each of us has a case pending in the court of heaven. Shall our
course of conduct balance the evidence against us? The case of Ana-
nias and Sapphira was of the most aggravated character. In keeping
back part of the price, they lied to the Holy Ghost. Guilt likewise rests
upon every individual in proportion to like offenses.
When the hearts of men are softened by the presence of the Spirit
of God, they are more susceptible to the impressions of the Holy Spirit,
and resolves are made to deny self and to sacrifice for the cause of
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God. It is when divine light shines into the chambers of the mind
with unusual clearness and power, that the feelings of the natural man
are overcome, that selfishness loses its power upon the heart, and that
desires are awakened to imitate the Pattern, Jesus Christ, in practicing
self-denial and benevolence. The disposition of the naturally selfish
man then becomes kind and pitiful toward lost sinners, and he makes
a solemn pledge to God, as did Abraham and Jacob. Heavenly angels
are present on such occasions. The love of God and love for souls
triumph over selfishness and love of the world. Especially is this the
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