Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

138 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[143]has succeeded. They have given up the love of God for the love of theworld.I saw that those who are thus prospered can thwart the design ofSatan if they will overcome their selfish covetousness by laying alltheir possessions upon the altar of God. And when they see wheremeans are needed to advance the cause of truth and to help the widow,the fatherless, and afflicted, they should give cheerfully and thus layup treasure in heaven.Heed the counsel of the True Witness. Buy gold tried in the fire,that thou mayest be rich, white raiment that thou mayest be clothed,and eyesalve that thou mayest see. Make some effort. These precioustreasures will not drop upon us without some exertion on our part. Wemust buy—“be zealous and repent” of our lukewarm state. We mustbe awake to see our wrongs, to search for our sins, and to zealouslyrepent of them.I saw that the brethren who have possessions have a work to do totear away from these earthly treasures and to overcome their love ofthe world. Many of them love this world, love their treasure, but arenot willing to see it. They must be zealous and repent of their selfishcovetousness, that the love of the truth may swallow up everythingelse. I saw that many of those who have riches will fail to buy the gold,white raiment, and eyesalve. Their zeal does not possess intensity andearnestness proportionate to the value of the object of which they arein pursuit.I saw these men while striving for the possessions of earth; whatzeal they manifested, what earnestness, what energy to obtain anearthly treasure that must soon pass away! What cool calculationsthey made! They plan and toil early and late, and sacrifice their easeand comfort for earthly treasure. A corresponding zeal on their partto obtain the gold, white raiment, and eyesalve will bring them inpossession of these desirable treasures and life, everlasting life, in thekingdom of God. I saw that if any need eyesalve, it is those who haveearthly possessions. Many of them are blind to their own state, blindto their firm grasp upon this world. Oh, that they may see!“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice,and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, andhe with Me.” I saw that many have so much rubbish piled up at thedoor of their heart that they cannot get the door open. Some have