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Cause in Vermont
591
mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
. “For though I be free from all men, yet
have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”
1
Corinthians 9:19
. “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain
the weak. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means
save some.”
Verse 22
. “We then that are strong ought to bear the
infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one
of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ
pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them
that reproached Thee fell on Me.”
Romans 15:1-3
.
Brother and Sister L of Canada have been gradually losing their
hold on God and their love for heavenly and divine things as they
have been more earnestly grasping for worldly treasures. They have
been relaxing their hold on heaven and fastening it more firmly on
this world. A few years ago they loved to have an interest in the
advancement of the truth and work of God. More recently their
love for gain has increased, and they have not felt interested to do
their part to save their fellow men. Self-denial and benevolence for
Christ’s sake have not characterized their lives. They have done but
little for the cause of God. What have they been doing with their
talents? They have been burying them in the earth, investing them in
lands. They have not been putting them out to the exchangers, that
when the Master comes, He may receive His own with usury.
They have a work to do to set their hearts and house in order,
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Their hearts have been
upon the things of this life, and eternal considerations have been
made secondary. They should work earnestly to get the love of the
world out of their hearts and should place their affections upon things
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above, not upon things on the earth. If God’s servants would bear in
mind that their work is to do all in their power, with their influence
and their means, to save souls for whom Christ died, there would be
more unselfish effort, and unbelievers would be stirred; they would
be convinced that there is a reality in the truth thus presented and
thus backed up by example.
Brother and Sister L should have confidence in the work for these
last days and should be perfecting Christian character, that they may
receive the eternal reward when Jesus comes. Brother L is failing
in physical and mental vigor. He is becoming incapable of bearing