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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · July 23, 1867

THE USE OF RICHES.—The good that is in riches lies altogether in their use. If they are not broken, like a box of ointment, and poured out for the refreshment of Jesus Christ, on his distressed servants, they lose their worth. Therefore, the covetous man may justly write upon his rusting heaps “These are good for nothing.” St. Chrysostom tells us that he is not rich who lays up much, but he only who lays out much; and that “it is the same thing not to have as not to use.” I will, therefore, be the richer by a charitable laying out, while the worldling shall be the poorer by his covetous hoarding up. When thou, O Lord, takest the place of man, from thy high abode, where thou dwellest among the praises of the blessed, askest my charity in the person of thy needy people, assist me to take thy place, and to give alms, of such things as I have. Teach me, in giving my alms, to give my mind, to give my heart; to commit to thee, not only a little portion of my property, but also my body, my soul, my salvation.