Seite 453 - Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 (1868)

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449
than to part with them to secure treasure in heaven. This ruler claimed
that he had kept all the commandments of God from his youth up, and
confident in his fidelity and righteousness, and thinking that he was
perfect, he asks: “What lack I yet?” Jesus immediately tears off his
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sense of security by referring to his idols, his possessions. He had
other gods before the Lord, which were of greater value to him than
eternal life. Supreme love to God was lacking. Thus it is with some
who profess to believe the truth. They think they are perfect, think that
there is no lack, when they are far from perfection and are cherishing
idols which will shut them out of heaven.
Many pity the Southern slaves because they are bound down to
labor, while slavery exists in their own families. Mothers and children
are allowed to toil from morning till night; they have no recreation.
A ceaseless round of labor is before them and crowded upon them.
They profess to be Christ’s followers; but where is the time for them to
meditate and pray, and obtain food for the intellect, that the mind, with
which we serve God, may not be dwarfed in its growth? God calls
upon every individual to use the talents He has committed to them to
His glory, and by thus improving them to gain others also. God has
laid obligations upon us to benefit others. Our work in this world for
the good of others is not done until Christ shall say in heaven: “It is
done.” “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy,
let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous
still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”
Many seem to have no true sense of their responsibility before
God. They are required to strive to enter in at the strait gate, because
many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. Heaven requires
them to try to induce others also to strive to enter in at the strait gate.
A work is before young and old to labor earnestly to save not only
their own souls, but the souls of others. There are none who have
reasoning faculties who have not some influence. By their indifference
they use that influence to hinder souls from striving to enter in at the
strait gate, or by their earnest, persevering, untiring efforts they urge
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upon them the necessity of striving diligently to enter there. No one
occupies a neutral position, doing nothing to encourage others and
doing nothing to hinder them. Says Christ: They that gather not with
Me scatter abroad. Take heed, old and young; you are either doing
the work of Christ, to save souls, or the work of Satan, to lead them to