The Lord compared himself to a nobleman who went into a far country to receive a kingdom, and to return. But before he started he gave his servants a number of talents, and then said, “Occupy till I come.” The talents spoken of no doubt represent our substance in a temporal, as well as in a spiritual, point of view. All that we have, may be considered as given to us by the Lord. He has given us property, temporal blessings, and says, Occupy till I come. It is the duty of all to occupy their various talents, as they are commanded. Those who have property should occupy it in such a way, that they may turn it to an advantage to the Lord's cause. Some have no property, but have a strong and able body, they are required to occupy their strength in such an industrious way, that they can also aid in pushing forward the interests of the cause. There are some persons who profess to believe the present truth, who have no property, and think that it is wrong for them to labor to acquire any thing, but rather spend their time in visiting, and going from house to house and neglecting important duties at home. Paul would say to such, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thess. iii, 10. “For we hear that there are some, which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” Verses 11, 12. Such persons should labor with their hands, make their own living, clothe themselves decently and respectably, and pay up what they are behind on their systematic dues and on the Review, and thus they can do a part in helping to advance the cause, instead of being helped. They must learn that the Advent doctrine does not justify them in sitting down and taking their ease and saying, “Well the Lord is coming, and it is not necessary for me to do anything. This truth is of an exalting character, and will exalt the receiver from dirt and filth, to an eminence of cleanliness and purity. It is sanctifying in its influence; and if we will submit to its requirements, it will make us pure and holy, so that when the nobleman returns, we shall have occupied our talents and will be prepared for the society of immortal saints, of holy angels, and of God and his Son Jesus Christ.