To Wealthy Parents
117
as companions, because they throw around an irreligious life so many
dangerous attractions.
These young men should choose for their associates those who
love the purity of truth, whose morals are untainted, and whose habits
are pure. They must comply with the conditions laid down in the word
of God, if they would indeed become sons of God, members of the
royal family, children of the heavenly King. “Come out from among
them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you.” God loves these young men, and if they
will follow the leadings of His Spirit, and walk in His counsel, He will
be their strength.
God has given Brother A Y good abilities, quick perceptions, and a
good understanding of His word. If his heart were sanctified, he could
have an influence for good with his brothers, as well as his neighbors
and those with whom he associates. But the love of money has taken
so firm a hold of his soul, and has been so interwoven with all the
transactions of life, that he has become conformed to the world instead
of being transformed by the renewing of the mind. His powers have
been perverted and debased by sordid love of gain, which has made
him selfish, penurious, and overbearing. Had his qualities been put
into active use in his Master’s service, rather than used to serve his own
selfish interests, had his object and aim been to do good and glorify
God, the qualities of mind that God had given him would impart to
his character an energy, humility, and efficiency which could not fail
to command respect and would give him an influence over all with
whom he associated.
[127]
I was shown that the property left by the father had indeed been a
root of bitterness to his children. Their peace and happiness, and their
confidence in one another, had been greatly disturbed by it. Brother
A Y did not need his father’s property. He had enough talents to
handle that God had entrusted to his management. If he made a right
disposition of that which he had, he would at least be among that
number who were faithful in that which is least. The addition of the
stewardship of his father’s property, which he had covetously desired,
was a heavier responsibility than he could well manage.
For several years the love of money has been rooting out the love
of humanity and the love of God. And as the means of his father were
within his reach, he desired to retain all that was possible in his own