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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and
follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many
witnesses.” “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not
high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich
in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up
in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Paul in this letter to Timothy would impress upon his mind the
necessity of giving such instruction as should remove the deception
which so easily steals upon the rich, that because of their riches they
are superior to those who are in poverty, that because of their ability to
acquire they are superior in wisdom and judgment—in short, that gain
is godliness. Here is a fearful deception. How few heed the charge
which Paul commissioned Timothy to make to the rich! How many
flatter themselves that their acquisitiveness is godliness! Paul declares,
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Although rich persons
may devote their whole lives to the one object of getting riches, yet as
they brought nothing into the world, they can carry nothing out. They
must die and leave that which cost them so much labor to obtain. They
staked their all, their eternal interest, to obtain this property, and have
lost both worlds.
Paul shows what risks men will run to become rich. But many
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are determined to be rich; this is their study, and in their zeal eternal
considerations are overlooked. They are blinded by Satan and make
themselves believe that it is for good purposes they desire this gain;
they strain their consciences, deceive themselves, and are constantly
coveting riches. Such have erred from the faith and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows. They have sacrificed their noble, elevated
principles, given up their faith for riches, and, if not disappointed
in their object, they are disappointed in the happiness which they
supposed riches would bring. They are entangled, perplexed with care;
they have made themselves slaves to their avarice and compelled their
families to the same slavery, and the advantages they reap are “many
sorrows.” “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not