Blessings of the Faithful.
By David Downer
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” THE above very important language is recorded in Prov. 28:20. First, let us consider, and if possible learn, to what class of faithful men the text refers. Does it refer to the millionaire, who has grown gray in pursuit of wealth? whose gold has become cankered, by being heaped up for the last days? He has been faithful in accumulating his treasures of gold. After having reached his highest aspirations in this direction, God pronounces him poor, blind, and naked. Men seldom accumulate great wealth without robbing the Lord of what justly belongs to him. Faithful men seldom fail to reach the desired object in life. We see Abraham Lincoln splitting rails, afterward occupying the presidential chair. Those of the most humble occupation have become possessors of great wealth by their faithfulness. We have but to look around us, to see that faithful men's labor is often attended with success. If men seldom fail to reach the desired object in this life, who make that object a study, an object for which they will sacrifice, how shall we account for there being so many who make a failure as Christians, unless it be by their neglecting duty? Why will people, Sabbath-keepers, in the blazing light of truth, sacrifice their hope of eternal life for a little of the filthy lucre of this world? How many families are there among us who profess to love the truth who say they are too poor to help the cause, who give fifty dollars a year for various things that are only an injury to them? How shall we account for their (professed) poverty? There are many Sabbath-keepers who, ten years ago, had not fifty dollars. They have toiled, sacrificed, and suffered; as the result, we see nice farms, teams, farming utensils, &c. God has truly prospered them. They have become converted under the light of the third angel's message. They seem to love its inspiring truths, but when God would take back a little of the much he has given them, they are very poor. And that which they have gained by God's blessing and their faithful labor, they withhold from the Lord, and still profess to love the truth. How can God continue to prosper with riches such people? More riches would prove a curse to them, as it would only aid them in their miserly plans. Shall we wonder to see God take back his own by various visitations, such as fire, disease, storm, &c.? The world has more riches than is being used, except as it is worshiped. I have sometimes thought that God, in the late fires, horse disease, and storms, is only destroying the idols of men, if possible to turn their minds to more important things. I am aware these things have been differently interpreted by some, who say God is only giving the wealthy an opportunity to show their liberality. When I see men, apparently rational men, in almost mad pursuit after riches that perish with their using, I would point them to the text: “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Why can we not strive to gain riches and be innocent? The reason is obvious: Where a man's treasure is there his heart will be. He will neglect prayer, overreach in deal with his brother, break the Sabbath by planning for future business on the Lord's day, and be guilty of many other things that are contrary to the religion of Christ. If we do not rob God, and attend to the wants of the cause, we are promised plenty; but not any to worship. When we see Adventists with plenty around them, good crops every year, then hear them say they are so poor they cannot pay their S. B., can we say they are faithful stewards? We need not ask who are faithful; actions show. Many of us have been neglecting health reform to an alarming extent. Neglect is unfaithfulness. A person cannot neglect prayer, oppose health reform, give nothing to God for the support of his cause, and be a faithful follower of Christ. God has plenty, but he desires us to give for our own good. It is hard for some to give a small part of their means. Jesus gave his precious blood. Oh! how we ought to love him and follow his example of sacrifice. If every Adventist would commence with the new year and be faithful, what would be the result? Hundreds now wavering would embrace the truth, our S. B. would all be paid, our pledges redeemed, troubles settled, and the great work in which we are engaged would move on to victory in the presence of its enemies. Let us one and all occupy higher ground in 1873 than we have ever done before. When I read the stirring appeals in the REVIEW from the more earnest ones, I think my next visit to the churches will find them living more free from sin. But, alas! there are some who if they ever get into the kingdom will have to make a desperate effort. Let us not work for fame or wealth so earnestly, and be so reluctant in working for the Lord. We have a great work to do, and time in which to do it is short. Let us come up to the work, and do so now. Burns, Wis., Dec. 10, 1872.