Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Two Crowns 333there. They fail of the earthly, yet while in pursuit of it, lose theheavenly. Notwithstanding the disappointment and unhappy life anddeath of those who were wholly bent upon obtaining earthly riches,others follow the same course. They rush madly on, disregarding themiserable end of those whose example they are following.Those who reached the crown, and possessed a share in it, andwere applauded, are those who obtain that which is the whole aim oftheir life—riches. They receive that honor which the world bestowsupon those who are rich. They have influence in the world. Satan andhis evil angels are satisfied. They know that such are surely theirs,that while they are living in rebellion against God, they are Satan’spowerful agents.The ones who became disgusted with the company clamoring forthe earthly crown are those who have marked the life and end of allwho strive for earthly riches. They see that such are never satisfied,but are unhappy, and they become alarmed, and separate themselvesfrom that unhappy class, and seek the true and durable riches. [353]Those who are urging their way through the crowd for the heavenlycrown, attended by holy angels, were shown me to be God’s faithfulpeople. Angels lead them on, and they are inspired with zeal to pressforward for the heavenly treasure.The black balls which were thrown after the saints were the reproachfulfalsehoods put in circulation concerning God’s people bythose who love and make a lie. We should take the greatest care to livea blameless life, and abstain from all appearance of evil, and then it isour duty to move boldly forward, and pay no regard to the reproachfulfalsehoods of the wicked. While the eyes of the righteous are fixedupon the heavenly priceless treasure, they will become more and morelike Christ, and thus they will be transformed and fitted for translation.* * * * *