Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 2 - Second Advent Revival

did not agree with their failing judgment. Their covetousness was dreadful. They often
thought that their own children and relatives were wishing them to die in order to take
their place and possess their wealth and receive the homage which had been bestowed
upon them. And some were so controlled by their jealous, covetous feelings as to
destroy their own children.--1T 422, 423 (1864). {2MCP 748.4}
David's Prayer for His Old Age.--David marked that although the lives of some
while in the strength of manhood had been righteous, as old age came upon them they
seemed to lose their self-control. Satan stepped in and guided their minds, making
them restless and dissatisfied. He saw that many of the aged seemed forsaken of God
and exposed themselves to the ridicule and reproaches of his enemies. {2MCP 749.1}
David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when
he should be aged. He feared that God would leave him and that he would be as
unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and would be left to the
reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays,
"Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth." "O
God, Thou hast taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous
works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have
showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come"
(Psalm 71:9, 17, 18). David felt the necessity of
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guarding against the evils which attend old age.--1T 423 (1864). {2MCP 749.2}
Providing for Use of Entrusted Means.--Brother L is a steward of God. He has
been entrusted with means and should be awake to his duty and render to God the
things that are God's. He should not fail to understand the claims that God has upon
him. While he lives and has his reasoning powers, he should improve the opportunity of
appropriating the property that God has entrusted to him, instead of leaving it for others
to use and appropriate after the close of his life.--2T 675 (1871). {2MCP 750.1}
Do Not Leave Loose Ends.--Brother L should have his business all straight and not
left at loose ends. It is his privilege to be rich in good works and to lay up for himself a
good foundation against the time to come that he may lay hold on eternal life. It is not
safe for him to follow his failing judgment. He should counsel with experienced brethren
and seek wisdom of God that he may do up his work well. He should now be really in
earnest, providing himself "bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that
faileth not."--2T 676 (1871). {2MCP 750.2}
Aged Workers Not to Be Set Aside.--The most tender interest should be cherished
toward those whose life interest is bound up with the work of God. Notwithstanding their
many infirmities, these workers still possess talents that qualify them to stand in their lot
and place. God desires them to occupy leading positions in His work. They have stood
faithful amid storm and trial and are among our most valuable counselors. How thankful
we should be that they can still use their gifts in the Lord's service! {2MCP 750.3}
Let not the fact be lost sight of that in the past these earnest wrestlers sacrificed