Preparation for Death
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wise improvement? Will his brethren stand by, and see him losing his
hold on this life, and at the same time robbing the treasury of God?
This would be a fearful loss to himself and to the cause; for, by placing
his talent of means in the hands of those who have no regard for the
truth of God, he would, to all intents and purposes, be wrapping it in a
napkin and hiding it in the earth.
A Better Way
The Lord would have His followers dispense their means while they
can do it themselves. Some may inquire, “Must we actually dispossess
ourselves of everything which we call our own?” We may not be
required to do this now; but we must be willing to do so for Christ’s
sake. We must acknowledge that our possessions are absolutely His,
by using of them freely whenever means is needed to advance His
cause. Some close their ears to the calls made for money to be used in
sending missionaries to foreign countries, and in publishing the truth
and scattering it like autumn leaves all over the world.
Such excuse their covetousness by informing you that they have
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made arrangements to be charitable at death. They have considered
the cause of God in their wills. Therefore they live a life of avarice,
robbing God in tithes and in offerings, and in their wills return to God
but a small portion of that which He has lent them, while a very large
proportion is appropriated to relatives who have no interest in the truth.
This is the worst kind of robbery. They rob God of His just dues, not
only all through life, but also at death.
A Fearful Risk
It is utter folly to defer to make a preparation for the future life
until nearly the last hour of the present life. It is also a great mistake to
defer to answer the claims of God for liberality to His cause until the
time comes when you are to shift your stewardship upon others. Those
to whom you entrust your talents of means may not do as well with
them as you have done. How dare rich men run so great risks? Those
who wait till death before they make a disposition of their property,
surrender it to death rather than to God. In so doing, many are acting
directly contrary to the plan of God plainly stated in His word. If
they would do good, they must seize the present golden moments, and