Again, he writes Dec. 12th: Earthly possessions are valued too highly by the professed people of God. There is too little of the spirit of self denial, and but few are willing to suffer for the sake of saving others.
Some think that a great deal of money has been expended in publishing and in preaching, and all to so little effect, that they feel like being more careful in the use of means. Money is freely expended for self-indulgence. Houses are built at considerable expense, and in a manner that would indicate that they were intended for durability, and are painted either for vain show, or to preserve the wood from rotting. The excuse for making these improvements upon real estate is, that they intend to sell before the Lord comes; not that they expect to possess them long. Then I understand the object to be to cheat some poor worldling who is ignorant of the truth, by selling him property at a high price, when, in fact, it is of little or no value. And what will be done with the money? Will they carry it with them when they are caught up to meet the Lord in the air? The fact is, Satan furnishes this sort of arguments for pride and self-indulgence. This state of things ought not, and will not exist much longer with God's people. It is time that we acted consistently with our faith, and if we expect to do anything for the salvation of men, it is time we were doing it.