46 A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
if they desired to be taught, when to sell and how much to sell, and
that some had been required to dispose of their property in time past
to sustain the Advent cause, while he permitted others to keep theirs
until a time of need. Then as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell.
I saw that the message “sell that ye have and give alms,” had not
been given, by some, in its clear light, and that the object of the words
of our Saviour had not been clearly presented. I saw that the object
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of selling was not to give to those who are able to labor and support
themselves, but to spread the truth. It is a sin to support and indulge
in idleness, those who are able to labor. Some have been zealous to
attend all the meetings; not to glorify God, but for the “loaves and
fishes.” Such had much better been at home laboring with their hands,
“the thing that is good,” to supply the wants of their families, and to
have something to give to sustain the precious cause of present truth.
Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven, and to set our hearts
in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean
hands and a pure heart will stand that trying time. Now is the time
for the law of God to be in our minds (foreheads,) and written in our
hearts. The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be
filled with worldly thoughts and cares. I saw that some minds were
led away from present truth and a love of the Holy Bible, by reading
other exciting books; and others were filled with perplexity and care
for what they shall eat, drink and wear. I saw some, looking too far
off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued on a few years
longer than they expected, therefore they think it may continue a few
years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present
truth, out after the world. In these things I saw great danger; for if the
mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is
no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God. I saw that the
time for Jesus to be in the Most Holy Place was nearly finished, and
that time cannot last but a very little longer; and what leisure time we
have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in
the last day.
My dear brethren and sisters
Let the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ
be in your minds continually, and let them crowd worldly thoughts
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and cares from the mind. When you lie down and when you rise up
let them be your meditation. Live and act wholly in reference to the