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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
softened by grace, but is cold and unimpressible. Many, like the Jews,
are blinded by unbelief and know not the time of their visitation. So
far as the truth is concerned, they have had every advantage; God has
been appealing to them for years in warnings, reproofs, corrections,
and instruction in righteousness; but special directions have been given
only to be disregarded and placed on a level with common things.
Duty to Reprove Money Lovers
Many who are numbered with the believers are not really with
them in faith and principle. They are doing exactly that which Jesus
told them not to do—seeking to lay up treasures upon the earth. Christ
said: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth: ... but lay
up for yourselves treasures in heaven: ... for where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.” Here is one danger which threatens
Christians. They are not obedient to Christ’s positive directions. They
show no real faith and confidence in God. In order to gain riches
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they accumulate burdens and cares until their minds are almost wholly
engrossed with them. They are eager for gains and always anxious
for fear of losses. The more money and lands they possess the more
eager are they for more. “They are drunken, but not with wine; they
stagger, but not with strong drink.” They are surfeited with the cares
of this life, which affect them as strong drink does the drunkard. They
are so blinded by selfishness that they work night and day to secure
perishable treasures. Their eternal interests are neglected; they have no
time to attend to these things. The great matters of truth are not kept
in mind, as is evidenced by their words, their plans, and their course
of action. What if souls around them perish in their sins? This is not
of so much consequence to them as their earthly treasures. Let souls
for whom Christ died sink to ruin; they have no time to save them.
In laying plans for earthly gain they show skill and talent; but these
precious qualities are not devoted to winning souls to Christ, to the
upbuilding of the Redeemer’s kingdom. Are not the senses of such
persons perverted? Are they not drunken with the intoxicating cup of
worldliness? Is not reason laid aside, and have not selfish aims and
purposes become the ruling power? The work of preparing themselves
to stand in the day of the Lord, and employing their God-given abilities