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Deceitfulness of Riches
249
certain course than to take the responsibility of saying what should
be done, or of pointing out a more correct way.
You became confused. You knew not where to trust. There were
but few Sabbathkeepers in-----and vicinity who exerted a saving
influence. Some who professed the faith were no honor to the cause
of present truth. They did not gather with Christ, but scattered
abroad. They could talk loud and long; yet their hearts were not
in the work. They were not sanctified by the truth they professed.
These, not having root in themselves, gave up the faith. Had they
done this at an earlier period, it would have been better for the cause
of truth. In consequence of these things, Satan took advantage of
you and prepared the way for your backsliding.
My attention was called to your desire to possess means. The
sentiment of your heart was: “Oh, if I only had means, I would
not squander it! I would set an example to those who are close
and penurious. I would show them the great blessing there is to be
received in doing good.” Your soul abhorred covetousness. As you
have seen those who possessed abundance of this world’s goods shut
their hearts to the cry of the needy you have said: “God will visit
them; He will reward them according to their works.” As you have
seen the wealthy walking in their pride, their hearts girt about with
selfishness, as with iron bands, you have felt that they were poorer
than yourself, although you were in want and suffering. When you
have seen these purse-proud men bearing themselves loftily because
money has power, you have felt pity for them, and in no case would
you have been induced to change places with them. Yet you desired
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means that you might so use it as to be a rebuke to the covetous.
The Lord said to His angel who had hitherto ministered unto
you: “I have proved her in poverty and affliction, and she has not
separated herself from Me, nor rebelled against Me. I will now
prove her with prosperity. I will reveal to her a page of the human
heart with which she is unacquainted. I will show her that money
is the most dangerous foe she has ever met. I will reveal to her the
deceitfulness of riches; that they are a snare, even to those who feel
that they are secure from selfishness, and proof against exaltation,
extravagance, pride, and love of the praise of men.”
I was then shown that a way was opened for you to improve your
condition in life and at length to obtain the means which you had