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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
The principle of the cross of Christ brings all who believe under
heavy obligations to deny self, to impart light to others, and to give of
their means to extend the light. If they are in connection with heaven
they will be engaged in the work in harmony with the angels.
The principle of worldlings is to get all they can of the perish-
able things of this life. Selfish love of gain is the ruling principle
in their lives. But the purest joy is not found in riches nor where
covetousness is always craving, but where contentment reigns and
where self-sacrificing love is the ruling principle. There are thousands
who are passing their lives in indulgence and whose hearts are filled
with repining. They are victims of selfishness and discontent in the
vain effort to satisfy their minds with indulgence. But unhappiness is
stamped upon their very countenances, and behind them is a desert,
because their course is not fruitful in good works.
In proportion as the love of Christ fills our hearts and controls our
lives, covetousness, selfishness, and love of ease will be overcome,
and it will be our pleasure to do the will of Christ, whose servants we
claim to be. Our happiness will then be proportionate to our unselfish
works, prompted by the love of Christ.
Divine wisdom has appointed, in the plan of salvation, the law of
action and reaction, making the work of beneficence, in all its branches,
twice blessed. He that gives to the needy blesses others, and is blessed
himself in a still greater degree. God could have reached His object in
saving sinners without the aid of man; but He knew that man could not
be happy without acting a part in the great work in which he would be
cultivating self-denial and benevolence.
That man might not lose the blessed results of benevolence, our
Redeemer formed the plan of enlisting him as His co-worker. By a
chain of circumstances which would call forth his charities, He bestows
upon man the best means of cultivating benevolence and keeps him
habitually giving to help the poor and to advance His cause. He sends
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His poor as the representatives of Himself. By their necessities a ruined
world are drawing forth from us talents of means and of influence to
present to them the truth, of which they are in perishing need. And
as we heed these calls by labor and by acts of benevolence we are
assimilated to the image of Him who for our sakes became poor. In
bestowing we bless others, and thus accumulate true riches.