Rich Young Man
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have bags in heaven! Ye have bags in heaven that wax not old! Endure
unto the end, and great will be your reward.”
God has been moving upon many hearts. The truth for which a
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few sacrificed so much, in order to get it before others, has triumphed,
and multitudes have laid hold of it. God in His providence has moved
upon those who have means, and has brought them into the truth, that
as His work increases, the wants of the cause may be met. Much
means has been brought into the ranks of Sabbathkeepers, and I saw
that at present God does not call for the houses His people need to live
in, unless expensive houses are exchanged for cheaper ones. But if
those who have an abundance do not hear His voice, 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 freewill offerings. Those who give
must esteem it a privilege to do so.
Some give of their abundance, but yet they feel no lack. They do
not particularly deny themselves of anything 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 are known and strictly
marked by Him. They will not lose their reward. You who cannot
bestow so liberally must not excuse yourselves because you cannot do
as much as some others. Do what you can. Deny yourselves of some
article that you can get along 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 give of their abundance; and you will know
how sweet it is to deny self, to give to the needy, to sacrifice for the
truth, and to lay up treasure in heaven.
I was shown that the young, especially young men, who profess
the truth, have yet a lesson of self-denial to learn. If these made more
sacrifice for the truth, they would esteem it more highly. It would
affect their hearts, and purify their lives, and they would hold it more
dear and sacred.
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The young do not take the burden of the cause of God, or feel any
responsibility in regard to it. Is it because God has excused them? Oh,
no; 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