Basic HTML Version
576
Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
possess, and that these children will be more earnest and zealous
in forwarding the work of God, and more benevolent in carrying
forward the various enterprises connected with it which call for
means. But many place their means in the hands of their children,
thus throwing upon them the responsibility of their own stewardship,
because Satan prompts them to do it. In so doing they effectually
place that means in the enemy’s ranks. Satan works the matter to suit
his own purpose and keeps from the cause of God the means which
it needs, that it may be abundantly sustained. The efforts made to
get the truth before the people are not half as thorough and extensive
as they should be. Not a fiftieth part is now being done to extend
the truth that might be done by scattering publications and bringing
within the sound of the truth all that can be induced to come.
The probation of many is closing. Satan is daily gathering his
harvest of souls. Some are making final decisions against the truth,
and many are dying without a knowledge of it. Their minds are
unenlightened, and their sins unrepented of; and yet men professing
godliness are hoarding up their earthly treasures and directing their
efforts to gaining more. They are insensible to the condition of men
and women who come within the sphere of their influence and who
are perishing for want of knowledge. Well-directed labor, bestowed
[656]
in love and humility, would do much to enlighten and convert their
fellow men; but the example of many who might do great good is
virtually saying: Your souls are of less value to me than my worldly
interests.
Many love the truth a little, but they love this world more. “By
their fruits ye shall know them.” Spiritual things are sacrificed for
temporal. The fruit that such bear is not unto holiness, and their
example will not be such as to convict sinners and convert them
from the error of their ways to the truth. They allow souls to go to
perdition, when they might save them if they would make as earnest
efforts in their behalf as they have made to secure the treasures of
this life. To obtain more of the things of the world, which they
do not really need and which only increase their responsibility and
condemnation, many labor on the high-pressure plan, and peril health
and spiritual enjoyment, and the peace, comfort, and happiness of
their families. They let souls go to perdition around them because
they fear that it will require a little of their time and means to save