Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

affections are more upon your earthly treasure than
you are sensible of. You have been confused in
your perceptions of duty. And when the Spirit of
God operates upon your mind and would lead you
to do what is according to the will and
requirements of God, other influences that are not
in harmony with the work of God for this time
hinder you from obeying the promptings of the
divine will; the result is, your faith is not made
perfect by works. Your affections should be
withdrawn from your earthly treasure. At times
when, contrary to your wishes and calculations,
means was passing from you into the enemy's
ranks, and was thus lost to the cause of God, you
have seemed much perplexed and troubled. Talents
of means have been entrusted to you by the Master
for you to improve to His glory. You are His
steward and should be very cautious lest you
neglect your duty. You are naturally a world-loving
man and will be inclined to claim as your own the
talents of means committed to your care. But,
"Give an account of thy stewardship" will be heard
by you by and by.
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