Chapter 34—Houses of Worship
I saw that many to whom God has entrusted means feel at liberty
to use it freely for their own convenience in fitting up pleasant homes
here; but when they build a house in which to worship the great God
who inhabiteth eternity, they cannot afford to let Him have the use
of the means which He has lent them. Each is not striving to excel
the other in showing his gratitude to God for the truth by doing all
he can to prepare a suitable place of worship; but some are trying to
do just as little as possible; and they feel that the means is as good as
lost which they spend in preparing a place for the Most High to visit
them. Such an offering is lame, and not acceptable to God. I saw that
it would be much more pleasing to God if His people would show as
much wisdom in preparing a house for Him, as they do in their own
dwellings.
The sacrifices and offerings of the children of Israel were com-
manded to be without blemish or spot, the best of the flock; and every
one of the people was required to share in this work. The work of
God for this time will be extensive. If you build a house for the Lord,
do not offend and limit Him by casting in your lame offerings. Put
the very best offering into a house built for God. Let it be the very
best you have; show an interest to make it convenient and comfortable.
Some think that this is of no consequence because time is so short.
Then carry out the same in your dwellings, and in all your worldly
arrangements.
I saw that God could carry on His work without any of man’s help;
but this is not His plan. The present world is designed as a scene of
probation for man. He is here to form a character which will pass with
him into the eternal world. Good and evil are placed before him, and
his future state depends upon the choice he makes. Christ came to
change the current of his thoughts and affections. His heart must be
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removed from his earthly treasure, and placed upon the heavenly. By
his self-denial, God can be glorified. The great sacrifice has been made
for man, and now he will be tested and proved to see if he will follow
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