Multitudes in Distress
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them work for those who, dazzled by the glitter of earthly riches, see
not the glory of the heavenly treasure. Let the workers study the Bible
with them, pressing sacred truth home to their hearts. Read to them
the words of God: “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God
is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption.” “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his
wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich
man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that
he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise
loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in
these things I delight, saith the Lord.” “In whom we have redemption
through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of
His grace.” “But my God shall supply all your need according to His
riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 1:30
;
Jeremiah 9:23,
24
;
Ephesians 1:7
;
Philippians 4:19
.
Such an appeal, made in the spirit of Christ, will not be thought
impertinent. It will impress the minds of many in the higher classes.
By efforts put forth in wisdom and love, many a rich man may be
awakened to a sense of his responsibility and his accountability to God.
When it is made plain that the Lord expects them as His representatives
to relieve suffering humanity, many will respond, and will give of their
means and their sympathy for the benefit of the poor. When their
minds are thus drawn away from their own selfish interests, many
will be led to surrender themselves to Christ. With their talents of
[18]
influence and means they will gladly unite in the work of beneficence
with the humble missionary who was God’s agent in their conversion.
By a right use of their earthly treasure they will lay up “a treasure in
the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth
corrupteth.” They will secure for themselves the treasure that wisdom
offers, even “durable riches and righteousness.”