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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
of glory, but you cannot take with you there the smallest portion of
your earthly treasure. Acquire what you may, preserve it with all the
jealous care you are capable of exercising, and yet the mandate may
go forth from the Lord, and in a few hours a fire which no skill can
quench may destroy the accumulations of your entire life and lay them
a mass of smoldering ruins. This was the case with Chicago. God’s
word had gone forth to lay that city in ruins. This is not the only city
that will realize the visible marks of God’s displeasure. He has made
a beginning, but not an end. The sword of His wrath is stretched out
over the people who by their pride and wickedness have provoked the
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displeasure of a just God. Storms, earthquakes, whirlwinds, fire, and
the sword will spread desolation everywhere, until men’s hearts shall
fail them for fear and for looking after those things which shall come
upon the earth. You know not how small a space is between you and
eternity. You know not how soon your probation may close.
Make ready, my brother, for the Master to demand your talents,
both principal and interest! To save souls should be the lifework of
everyone who professes Christ. We are debtors to the world for the
grace given us of God, for the light which has shone upon us, and for
the discovered beauty and power of the truth. You may devote your
entire existence to laying up treasures upon earth, but what will they
advantage you when your life here closes, or when Christ makes His
appearance? Not a farthing can you take with you. And just as high as
your worldly honors and riches have exalted you here to the neglect
of your spiritual life, just so much lower will you sink in moral worth
before the great tribunal of God’s judgment.
How will this wealth for which you have bartered your soul be
appropriated, should you be suddenly called to close your probation,
and your voice no longer control it? What shall it profit a man, if
he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Your means
are of no more value than sand, only as used to provide for the daily
necessities of life and to bless others and advance the cause of God.
God has given you testimonies of warning and encouragement, but
you have turned from them. You have doubted the Testimonies. When
you come back and gather up the rays of light, and take the position
that the Testimonies are from God, then you will be settled in your
belief and will not thus waver in darkness and weakness.