Inordinate Love of Gain
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have been so much in the society of those who had no love for the
truth of God.
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You have felt that there were hindrances to your children’s becom-
ing Christians, and have felt that others were to blame. But do not
deceive yourself in regard to this matter. Your influence as a father
has been sufficient, if there were nothing else to hinder, to stand in
their way. Your example and your conversation have been of such a
character that your children could not believe that your course was
consistent with your profession. Your conversation with unbelievers
has been of such a low order, and so light, so filled with jesting and
joking, that your influence could never elevate them. Your deal with
others has not always been strictly honest. You have not loved God
with all your heart, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.
If in your power, you would advantage yourself at your neighbor’s
disadvantage. Every dollar which comes to you in this manner will
carry with it a curse which you will feel sooner or later. God marks
every act of injustice, be it done to believer or unbeliever, and He will
not pass it over. Your acquisitive disposition is a snare to you. Your
deal with your fellow men cannot endure the test of the judgment.
Your Christian character is spotted with avarice. These spots will
have to be removed, or you will lose eternal life. We each have a work
to do for the Master; we each have talents to improve. The humblest
and poorest of the disciples of Jesus can be a blessing to others. They
may not realize that they are doing any special good, but, by their
unconscious influence, they may start waves of blessing which will
widen and deepen, and the happy result of their words and consistent
deportment they may never know until the final distribution of rewards.
They do not feel or know that they are doing anything great. They are
not required to weary themselves with anxieties about success. They
have only to go forward, not with many words and vainglorying and
boasting, but quietly, faithfully doing the work which God’s providence
has assigned them, and they will not lose their reward. Thus will it be
in your case. The memorial of your life will be written in the book
of records; and, if you are finally an overcomer, there will be souls
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saved through your efforts, by your self-denial, your good words and
consistent Christian life. And when the rewards are finally distributed
to all as their works have been, redeemed souls will call you blessed,