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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
amount given to God to be disproportionately small when compared
with that appropriated to their own use. In making their wills daily,
they will remember those objects and friends that hold the largest place
in their affections. Their best friend is Jesus. He did not withhold His
own life from them, but for their sakes became poor, that through His
poverty they might be made rich. He deserves the whole heart, the
property, all that they have and are. But many professed Christians put
off the claims of Jesus in life and insult Him by giving Him a mere
pittance at death. Let all of this class remember that this robbery of
God is not an impulsive action, but a well-considered plan which they
preface by saying: “Being in sound mind.” After having defrauded the
cause of God through life they perpetuate the fraud after death. And
this is with the full consent of all the powers of the mind. Such a will
many are content to cherish for a dying pillow. Their will is a part of
their preparation for death and is prepared so that their possessions
shall not disturb their dying hours. Can these dwell with pleasure upon
the requirement that will be made of them to give an account of their
stewardship?
We must all be rich in good works in this life if we would secure the
future, immortal life. When the judgment shall sit and the books shall
be opened, every man will be rewarded according to his works. Many
names are enrolled on the church book that have robbery recorded
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against them in the Ledger of Heaven. And unless these repent and
work for the Master with disinterested benevolence, they will certainly
share in the doom of the unfaithful steward.
It often happens that an active businessman is cut down without
a moment’s warning and on examination his business is found to be
in a most perplexing condition. In the effort to settle his estate the
lawyers’ fees eat up a large share, if not all, of the property, while his
wife and children and the cause of Christ are robbed. Those who are
faithful stewards of the Lord’s means will know just how their business
stands, and, like wise men, they will be prepared for any emergency.
Should their probation close suddenly, they would not leave such great
perplexity upon those who are called to settle their estate.
Many are not exercised upon the subject of making their wills
while they are in apparent health. But this precaution should be taken
by our brethren. They should know their financial standing and should