Cautions for Aging Persons
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These articles show that you have been departing from the faith. You
have helped in confusing the understanding of our people. The correct
understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the
foundation of our faith.
If you had remained away from the seducing influences that Sa-
tan is exerting at the present time in Battle Creek, you might yet be
standing on vantage ground.
We are very sorry to see the result of gathering a large number to
Battle Creek. Ministers who have been believers in the foundation
truths that have made us what we are—Seventh-day Adventists; min-
isters who went to Battle Creek to teach and uphold the truths of the
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Bible, are now, when old and gray-headed, turning from the grand
truths of the Bible, and accepting infidel sentiments. This means that
the next step will be a denial of a personal God, pulling down the
bulwarks of the faith that are plainly revealed in the Scriptures. In the
Word is given the warning, “Some shall depart from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”—
Letter 208, 1906
.
Anxiety in Regard to Money
It is frequently the case that aged persons are unwilling to realize
and acknowledge that their mental strength is failing. They shorten
their days by taking care which belongs to their children. Satan often
plays upon their imagination and leads them to feel a continual anxiety
in regard to their money. It is their idol, and they hoard it with miserly
care. They will sometimes deprive themselves of many of the comforts
of life, and labor beyond their strength, rather than use the means
which they have. In this way they place themselves in continual want,
through fear that sometime in the future they shall want.
All these fears originate with Satan. He excites the organs which
lead to slavish fears and jealousies which corrupt nobleness of soul and
destroy elevated thoughts and feelings. Such persons are insane upon
the subject of money. If they would take the position which God would
have them, their last days might be their best and happiest. Those who
have children in whose honesty and judicious management they have
reason to confide, should let their children make them happy. Unless
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they do this, Satan will take advantage of their lack of mental strength
and will manage for them. They should lay aside anxiety and burdens,