Be Zealous and Repent
29
has succeeded. They have given up the love of God for the love of the
world.
I saw that those who are thus prospered can thwart the design of
Satan, by overcoming their selfish covetousness, by laying upon the
altar of God all their possessions. And when they see an opportunity
where their means is needed to advance the cause of truth, and to help
the widow, the fatherless and afflicted, cheerfully let them go, and lay
up treasure in Heaven.
[28]
Heed the counsel of the true Witness. Buy gold tried in the fire
that thou mayest be rich, white raiment that thou mayest be clothed,
and eye-salve that thou mayest see. Make some effort. These precious
treasures will not drop upon us without some exertions on our part.
We must buy; “be zealous and repent” of our lukewarm state. We must
be awake to see our wrongs, and to search up our sins, and to zealously
repent of them.
I saw that the brethren who have possessions have a work to do,
to tear away from their wealth and love of the world. Many of them
love this world, but are not willing to see it. They must be zealous
and repent of their selfish covetousness, that the love of the truth may
swallow up everything else. I saw that many of those that have riches
will fail to buy the gold, white raiment, and eye-salve. Their zeal does
not possess intensity and earnestness proportionate to the value of the
object they are in pursuit of.
Then I saw these men while striving for the possessions of earth.
What zeal they manifested! What earnestness! What energy to obtain
an earthly treasure that must soon pass away! What cool calculations
they make. They will plan and toil early and late, and sacrifice their
ease and comfort for an earthly treasure. A corresponding zeal on
their part for the gold, white raiment, and eye-salve, will bring them in
possession of these desirable treasures, and life, everlasting life, in the
kingdom of God. I saw that if any need eye-salve, it is those who have
these earthly possessions. Many of them are blind to their own state.
Blind to the firm grasp they have of this world. Oh, that they may see.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and
he with me.”
I saw that many had so much rubbish piled up at the door of their
heart that they could not get the door open. Some have difficulties