Basic HTML Version
Servants of Mammon
219
earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break
through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not
break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your
heart be also.”
Remember that the treasures laid up in heaven are not lost. They
are secured to yourselves by a judicious use of the means of which
Heaven has made you stewards. “Charge them that are rich in this
world,” says the apostle, “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.”
There is danger, Brother I, of your life’s being lost, and the gifts
which God has bestowed upon you being surrendered to the devil,
and you led captive by him at his will. Can you bear the thought?
Can you for this short life choose to serve self, and love your money,
and then part with it all, and have no title to heaven, no right to
the life which is eternal? You have a mighty struggle before you
to separate your affections from this earth’s treasure. Where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also. Watch, pray, work, are the
Christian’s watchwords. Arouse yourself, I implore you. Seek for
those things which are enduring. The things of this earth must soon
pass away. Are you ready to exchange worlds? Are you forming
a character for everlasting life? If lost at last, you will know what
[242]
proved your ruin—the love of money. You will cry in bitter anguish:
“Oh, the deceitfulness of riches! I have lost my soul. I sold it for
money. My soul and body I bartered for gain. I sacrificed heaven,
fearing that I should have to sacrifice my money to obtain it.” From
the Master will be heard: Take ye the unprofitable servant, bind
him hand and foot, and cast him into outer darkness. We hope this
will not be your fate. We hope you will remove your treasure to
heaven, and transfer your affections, and fasten them upon God and
the immortal treasure.
I have seen that the entire family were in danger of partaking, in
a degree, of the father’s spirit. Sister I, you have already partaken
of this spirit. God help you to see it and make an entire change.