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

faith. Had they done this at an earlier period, it
would have been better for the cause of truth. In
consequence of these things, Satan took advantage
of you and prepared the way for your backsliding.
My attention was called to your desire to
possess means. The sentiment of your heart was:
"Oh, if I only had means, I would not squander it! I
would set an example to those who are close and
penurious. I would show them the great blessing
there is to be received in doing good." Your soul
abhorred covetousness. As you have seen those
who possessed abundance of this world's goods
shut their hearts to the cry of the needy you have
said: "God will visit them; He will reward them
according to their works." As you have seen the
wealthy walking in their pride, their hearts girt
about with selfishness, as with iron bands, you
have felt that they were poorer than yourself,
although you were in want and suffering. When
you have seen these purse-proud men bearing
themselves loftily because money has power, you
have felt pity for them, and in no case would you
have been induced to change places with them. Yet
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