Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

many are determined to be rich; this is their study, and in their zeal eternalconsiderations are overlooked. They are blinded by Satan and make themselves believethat it is for good purposes they desire this gain; they strain their consciences, deceivethemselves, and are constantly coveting riches. Such have erred from the faith andpierced themselves through with many sorrows. They have sacrificed their noble,elevated principles, given up their faith for riches, and, if not disappointed in theirobject, they are disappointed in the happiness which they supposed riches would bring.They are entangled, perplexed with care; they have made themselves slaves to theiravarice and compelled their families to the same slavery, and the advantages theyreap are “many sorrows.” “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be nothigh-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richlyall things to enjoy.” Men are not to hoard up their riches and take no good of them,depriving themselves of the comforts of life and virtually becoming slaves in order toretain or increase their earthly treasure.The apostle Paul shows the only true use for riches, and bids Timothy chargethe rich to do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willingto communicate; for in so doing they are laying up in store for themselves a goodfoundation against the time to come,—referring to the close of time,—that they maylay hold on eternal life. The teachings of Paul harmonize perfectly with the words ofChrist: “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when yefail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” Godliness with contentment isgreat gain. Here is the true secret of happiness, and real prosperity of soul and body.542