Deceitfulness of Riches
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obtained, and upon the increase of it in their hands. As these things
were shown me, I could see the force of our Saviour’s words: “It is
easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich
man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Those who possess the ability
to acquire property need to be constantly on the watch or they will
turn their acquisitiveness to bad account and not maintain strict hon-
esty. Thus many fall into temptation, overreach, receive more for a
thing than it is worth, and sacrifice the generous, benevolent, noble
principles of their manhood for sordid gain.
I was shown that many who profess to be Sabbathkeepers so love
the world and the things that are in the world that they have been
corrupted by its spirit and influence; the divine has disappeared from
their characters and the satanic has crept in, transforming them to serve
the purposes of Satan, to be instruments of unrighteousness. Then
in contrast with these men I was shown the industrious, honest, poor
men who stand ready to help those who need help, who would rather
suffer themselves to be disadvantaged by their wealthy brethren than
to manifest so close and acquisitive a spirit as they manifest; men who
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esteem a clear conscience and right, even in little things, of greater
value than riches. They are so ready to help others, so willing to do all
the good in their power, that they do not amass wealth; their earthly
possessions do not increase. If there is a benevolent object to call
forth means or labor, they are the first to be interested in and respond
to it, and frequently do far beyond their real ability, and thus deny
themselves some needed good, to carry out their benevolent purposes.
Because these men can boast of but little earthly treasure, they may
be looked upon as deficient in ability, in judgment, and in wisdom.
They may be counted of no special worth, and their influence may
not be esteemed by men; yet how does God regard these poor wise
men? They are regarded precious in His sight, and, although not
increasing their treasure upon earth, they are laying up for themselves
an incorruptible treasure in the heavens, and in doing this they manifest
a wisdom as far superior to that of the wise, calculating, acquisitive
professed Christian as the divine and godlike is superior to the earthly,
carnal, and satanic. It is moral worth that God values. A Christian
character unblotted with avarice, possessing quietness, meekness, and
humility, is more precious in His sight than the most fine gold, even
the golden wedge of Ophir.