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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
future, immortal life is opened to us; and invitations are given for all to
accept this great boon. All the treasures of heaven are brought within
our reach, waiting our demand. Can we be surprised that this poor
rich man was called a fool because he turned away from eternal riches,
the priceless gift of immortal life, the eternal weight of glory, and was
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satisfied with perishable, earthly treasures?
God tests men, some in one way, and some in another. He tests
some by bestowing upon them His rich bounties, and others by with-
holding His favors. He proves the rich to see if they will love God, the
Giver, and their neighbor as themselves. When man makes a right use
of these bounties, God is pleased; He can then trust him with greater
responsibilities. The Lord reveals man’s relative estimate of time and
eternity, of earth and heaven. He has admonished us: “If riches in-
crease, set not your heart upon them.” They have a value when used
for the good of others and the glory of God; but no earthly treasure is
to be your portion, your god, or your savior.
My brethren, the world will never believe that you are in earnest
in your faith until you have less to say about temporal things and
more about the realities of the eternal world. The Lord is coming, but
many who profess the faith do not realize that that event is nigh. They
cannot fasten their faith upon the revealed purposes of God. With
some, the passion for money-making has become all-absorbing, and
earthly riches have eclipsed the heavenly treasure. Eternal things have
faded from the mind as of minor consequence, while worldliness has
come in like a flood. The great question is: How can I make money?
Men are alive to every hope of gain. They try a thousand plans and
devices, among them various inventions and patent rights. Some dig in
the earth for the precious metals, others deal in bank stock, still others
till the soil; but all have the one object in view of making money. They
become bewildered and even insane in the pursuit of wealth, yet they
refuse to see the advantage of securing an immortal inheritance.
When Christ was on earth, He was brought in contact with some
whose imaginations were fevered with the hope of worldly gain. They
were never at rest, but were constantly trying something new, and their
extravagant expectations were aroused only to be disappointed. Jesus
knew the wants of the human heart, which are the same in all ages; and
He called their attention to the only permanent riches. “The kingdom
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of heaven,” said He, “is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which