Earlier text: Extreme Trials.In the spring of 1857, I accompanied my husband on a tour East. His principal business was to purchase the Power Press. We held conferences on our way to Boston, and on our return. This was a discouraging tour. The testimony to the Laodicean church was generally received; but some in the East were making bad use of it. Instead of applying it223to their own hearts, so as to be benefited by it themselves, they were using the testimony to oppress others. A few taught that the brethren must sell all out before they could be free, while some others dwelt much upon dress, carrying the subject to an extreme, and with a few others there was a narrowing up of the work of the third message, and following of impressions, and casting fear upon the conscientious. These things have had a blighting influence, and have caused us to lay down our testimony on the subject almost entirely. The design of the message to the Laodiceans was to rid the church of just such fanatical influences; but the effort of Satan has been to corrupt the message, and destroy its influence. He would be better pleased to have fanatical persons embrace the testimony, and use it in his cause, than to have them remain in a lukewarm state. I have seen that it was not the design of the message to lead brother to sit in judgment over his brother, to tell him what to do, and just how far to go; but for each individual to search his own heart, and attend to his own individual work. It is the work of the angels to watch the development of character, and weigh moral worth. The following is from Testimony to the Church, No. 5, pp. 4–11: I saw that the testimony to the Laodiceans applied to GOD’S people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work,224is because of the hardness of their hearts. But GOD has given the message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut JESUS out. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of GOD were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It was designed to arouse the people of GOD, to discover to them their backslidings, and lead to zealous repentance, that they might be favored with the presence of JESUS, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel. As this message affected the heart it led to deep humility before GOD. Angels were sent in every direction to prepare unbelieving hearts for the truth. The cause of GOD began to rise, and his people were acquainted with their position. If the counsel of the True Witness had been fully heeded, GOD would have wrought for his people in greater power. The efforts made since the message has been given have been blessed of GOD, and many souls have been brought from error and darkness to rejoice in the truth. I saw that GOD would prove his225people. Patiently JESUS bears with them, and does not spue them out of his mouth in a moment. Said the angel, “GOD is weighing his people.” If the message had been of as short duration as many of us supposed, there would have been no time for GOD’S people to develop character. Many moved from feeling, not from principle and faith, and this solemn, fearful message stirred them. It wrought upon their feelings, excited their fears, but did not accomplish the work GOD designed it should. GOD reads the heart. Lest his people should be deceived in regard to themselves, he gives them time for the excitement to wear off, and he proves them to see if they will obey the counsel of the True Witness. GOD leads his people on step by step. He brings them up to different points which are calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested, and tried a little closer. If the professed people of GOD find their hearts opposed to the straight work of GOD, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, or be spued out of the mouth of the LORD. Said the angel, “GOD will bring his work closer and closer to test them, and prove every one of his people.” Some are willing to receive one point, but when GOD brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and226stand back, because they find it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out JESUS. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive JESUS. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols, and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If they will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride and evil passions, the angels of GOD have their charge, “They are joined to their idols, let them alone,” and they pass on to their work, leaving them with their evil traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will be fitted by the latter rain for translation. GOD proves his people in this world. This is the fitting up place to appear in his presence. Here, in this world, in these last days, individuals will show what power affects their hearts and controls their actions. If it is the power of divine truth, it will lead to good works. It will elevate the receiver, and make him noble-hearted and generous, like his divine LORD. But if the evil angels control the heart, it will be seen in various ways. The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness, pride and evil passions.227The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Professors of religion are not willing to closely examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith, and it is a fearful fact that many are leaning on a false hope. Some lean upon an old experience they had years ago; but when brought down to this heart-searching time, when all should have a daily experience, they have nothing to relate. They seem to think a profession of the truth will save them. When those sins which GOD hates are subdued, JESUS will come in and sup with you and you with him. You will then draw divine strength from JESUS, and you will grow up in him, and be able with holy triumph to say, Blessed be GOD who giveth us the victory through our LORD JESUS CHRIST. It would be more pleasing to the LORD if lukewarm professors of religion had never named his name. They are a continual weight to those who would be faithful followers of JESUS. They are a stumbling-block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult over them, and taunt the angels of GOD with their crooked course. Such are a curse to the cause at home or abroad. They draw nigh to GOD with their lips, while their heart is far from him. I was shown that some of the people of GOD imitate the fashions of the world, and are fast losing their peculiar, holy character, which should distinguish them as GOD’s people. I228was pointed back to GOD’s ancient people, and then was led to compare their apparel with the mode of dress in these last days. What a difference! What a change! Then the women were not so bold as now. When they went in public they covered their face with a vail. In these last days fashions are shameful and immodest. They are noticed in prophecy. They were first brought in by a class over whom Satan has entire control, who “being past feeling (without any conviction of the Spirit of GOD), have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness.” If GOD’s professed people had not departed greatly from him, there would now be a marked difference between their dress and that of the world. The small bonnets, exposing the face and head, show a lack of modesty. The hoops are a shame. The inhabitants of earth are growing more and more corrupt, and the line of distinction must be more plain between them and the Israel of GOD, or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall upon GOD’s professed people. I was directed to the following scriptures. Said the angel, They are to instruct GOD’S people. 1 Tim. ii, 9, 10. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Pet. iii, 3-5.229“Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of GOD of great price. For after this manner in the old time, the holy women also who trusted in GOD, adorned themselves.” Young and old, GOD is now testing you. You are deciding your own eternal destiny. Your pride, your love to follow the fashions of the world, your vain and empty conversation, your selfishness, are all put in the scale, and the weight of evil is fearfully against you. You are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. While evil is increasing and taking deep root, it is choking the good seed which has been sown in the heart, and soon the word will be spoken to the angels of GOD concerning you, as was given concerning Eli’s house, that your sins shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. Many, I saw, were flattering themselves that they were good Christians, who have not a single ray of light from JESUS. They know not what it is to be renewed by the grace of GOD. They have no living experience for themselves in the things of GOD. And I saw that the LORD was whetting his sword in heaven to cut them down. O that230every cold, lukewarm professor could realize the clean work that GOD is about to make among his professed people. Dear friends, do not deceive yourselves concerning your condition. You cannot deceive GOD. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” The third angel is leading up a people, step by step, higher and higher. At every step they will be tested. The plan of Systematic Benevolence is pleasing to GOD. I was pointed back to the days of the apostles, and saw that GOD laid the plan by the descent of his Holy Spirit, and by the gift of prophecy counseled his people in regard to a system of benevolence. All were to share in this work of imparting of their carnal things to those who ministered unto them in spiritual things. They were also taught that the widows and fatherless had a claim upon their charity. Pure and undefiled religion is defined, to visit the widows and fatherless in their affliction, and to keep unspotted from the world. I saw it was not merely to sympathize with them in their affliction by comforting words, but to aid them, if needy, with their231substance. GOD has given health to young men and women, and they can obtain a great blessing by aiding the widow and fatherless in their affliction. I saw that GOD required young men to sacrifice more for the good of others. He claims more of them than they are willing to perform. If they keep themselves unspotted from the world, cease to follow its fashions, and lay by that which the lovers of pleasure spend in useless articles to gratify pride, and give it to the worthy afflicted ones, and to sustain the cause, they will have the approval of Him who says, “I know thy works.” There is order in heaven, and GOD is well pleased with the efforts of his people in trying to move with system and order in his work. I saw that there should be order in the church of GOD, and arrangement in regard to carrying forward successfully the last great message of mercy to the world. GOD is leading his people in the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and this is one of the very points which will cut the closest with some, to which GOD is bringing up his people. To them this point cuts off the right arm, and plucks out the right eye, while to others it is a great relief. To noble, generous souls the demands upon them seem very small, and they cannot be content to do so little. Some have large possessions, and if they lay by them in store for charitable purposes as GOD has prospered them, it seems to them like232a large sum. The selfish heart clings as closely to a little offering as to a larger one, and makes the small offering look very large. I was pointed back to the commencement of this last work. Then some who loved the truth could consistently talk of sacrificing. They devoted much to the cause of GOD to send the truth to others. They have sent their treasure beforehand to heaven. Brethren, you who have received the truth at a later period, and have large possessions, GOD has called you into the field, not merely that you may enjoy the truth, but that you may aid with your substance in carrying forward this great work. And if you have an interest in this work, you will venture out, and invest something in it, that others may be saved by your efforts, and you reap with them the final reward. Great sacrifices have been made, and privations endured to place the truth in a clear light before you. Now GOD calls upon you, in your turn, to make great efforts, and to sacrifice in order to place the truth before those who are in darkness. GOD requires this. You profess to believe the truth; let your works testify to the fact. Unless your faith works, it is dead. Nothing but a living faith will save you in the fearful scenes which are just before you. I saw that it was time that those who have their large possessions begin to work fast. It is time they were not only laying by them in233store as GOD is now prospering them, but as he HAS prospered them. Plans were especially laid in the days of the apostles that some should not be eased and others burdened. Arrangements were made that all should share equally in the burdens of the church of GOD according to their several ability. Said the angel, The axe must be laid at the root of the tree. If the heart is wrapt in earthly treasures, like Judas they will complain. His heart coveted the costly ointment poured upon JESUS, and he sought to hide his selfishness under a pious, conscientious regard for the poor. “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor?” He wished he had the ointment in his possession; it would not thus be lavished upon the SAVIOUR. He would apply it to his own use; sell it for money. He prized his LORD just enough to sell him to wicked men for a few pieces of silver. As Judas brought up the poor as an excuse for his selfishness, professed christians, whose hearts are covetous, will seek to hide their selfishness under a put-on conscientiousness. O, they fear Systematic Benevolence is getting like the nominal churches! Let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth! They seem conscientious to follow exactly the Bible as they understand it in this matter; but they entirely neglect the plain declaration of CHRIST, “Sell that ye have and give alms.” “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them.” Some think this text teaches that they must be secret in their works of charity. And they do but very little, excusing themselves, because they do not know just how to give. But JESUS explained it to his disciples as follows: “Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” They gave to be regarded noble and generous by men. They received praise of men, and JESUS taught his disciples that it was all the reward they would have. With many, the left hand does not know what the right hand does, for the right hand does nothing worthy of the notice of the left hand. This lesson of JESUS to his disciples was to rebuke those who wished to receive glory of men. They performed their alms-giving upon some very public gathering; and before doing this, a public proclamation was made of their generosity before the people, and many gave large sums merely to have their names exalted by men. And the means given in this manner was often extorted from others by oppressing the hireling in his wages, and grinding the face of the poor. Then I was shown that this scripture does not apply to those who have the cause of GOD at heart,235and use their means humbly to advance it. I was directed to these texts: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in heaven.” “By their fruits ye shall know them.” I was shown that scripture testimony will harmonize, when it is rightly understood. The good works of the children of GOD are the most effectual preaching the unbeliever has. He thinks there must be strong motives that actuate the christian to deny self, and with his possessions, try to save his fellow man. It is unlike the spirit of the world. Such fruits testify that they are genuine christians. They seem to be constantly reaching upward to a treasure that is imperishable. In every gift and offering there should be a suitable object before the giver—not to uphold any in idleness—not to be seen of men or to get a great name—but to glorify GOD by advancing his cause. Some make large donations to the cause of GOD, but their brother who is poor may be suffering close by them, and they do nothing to relieve him. Little acts of kindness imparted to their brother in a secret manner would bind their hearts together, and would be noticed in heaven. I saw that the rich should make a difference in their prices and their wages to the afflicted and widows, and the worthy poor among them. But I saw it was too often the case that the poor were taken advantage of,236and the rich reap the advantage, if there is any to be gained, and the last penny is exacted for every favor. It is all written in heaven. “I know thy works.” The greatest sin which now exists in the church is covetousness. God frowns upon his professed people for their selfishness. His servants have sacrificed their time and their strength to carry them the word of life, and many have prized it just as highly, and no more, as their works have shown. If they can help the servant of God just as well as not, they sometimes do it; but he is often left to pass on, and but little done for him. But if they employ a day laborer, he must be paid full wages. But the self-sacrificing servant of God labors for them in word and doctrine; he carries the heavy burden of the work on his soul; he patiently shows from the word of God the dangerous errors which are hurtful to the soul; he enforces the necessity of immediately tearing up the weeds which choke the good seed sown; he brings out of the storehouse of God’s word things new and old to feed the flock of God. All acknowledge that they have been benefited; but the poisonous weed, covetousness, is so deeply rooted they let the servant of God leave them without administering of their temporal things. They have prized his wearing labor just as highly as they act. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” I saw that GOD’S servants are not placed beyond the temptations of Satan. They are often fearfully beset by the enemy, and have a hard battle to fight. If they could be released from their commission, they would gladly labor with their hands. Their labor is called for by their brethren; but when they see it so lightly prized, they are depressed. True, they look to the final settlement for their reward, and this bears them up, but their families must have food and clothing. Their time belongs to the church of GOD. It is not at their own disposal. They sacrifice the society of their families to benefit others, and there are those who are benefited by their labors who are indifferent to their wants. I saw that it was doing injustice to such, to let them pass on and deceive themselves. They think they are approved of GOD, when he despises their selfishness. Not only will these selfish ones be called to render an account to GOD how they have used their LORD’S money; but all the depression, and heart-aching feelings they have brought upon GOD’S chosen servants, which have crippled their efforts, will be set to their account. The True Witness declares, “I know thy works.” The selfish, covetous heart will be tested. Some are not willing to devote to GOD a very small portion of the increase of their earthly treasure. They would start back with horror if you should speak of the principal.238What have they sacrificed for GOD? Nothing. They profess to believe that JESUS is coming; but their works deny their faith. Every individual will live out all the faith he has. False-hearted professor, JESUS knows thy works. He hates your stinted offerings and lame sacrifices. October, 1857, we visited the church at Monterey, Mich. There was an evening meeting appointed at the school-house near Bro. George Lay’s, and an expectation to hear preaching. My husband went to the house feeling that he had nothing for the people. He told the brethren on the way that he could not decide on any subject and wished them to select. A hymn was sung, and my husband prayed with much freedom. After singing again my husband gave liberty to others to improve the time. I felt impressed to speak, and was greatly blest in speaking, and sat down, and was soon lost to earthly things. For further description of that meeting I copy the following from my husband’s report in Review for Oct. 22, 1857: “When seated, Mrs. W. began to praise the LORD, and continued rising higher and higher239in perfect triumph in the LORD, till her voice changed, and the deep, clear shouts of Glory! Hallelujah! thrilled every heart. She was in vision. Unknown to us there was a poor, discouraged brother present, who had thrown his armor down, in consequence, in part at least, of neglect by his wealthy brethren, and was returning to strong habits which threatened the happiness of himself and family. A most touching and encouraging message was given for him. By the grace of GOD he raised his head that very evening, and he and his good wife are again happy in hope. Monterey church will never forget that evening. At least they never should.” After we returned home I stated to my husband that I was impressed that something of great importance was shown me at Monterey, which was not yet clear to my mind. One night, a little past midnight, I awoke, and all was clear. I arose, and, while my husband slept, wrote the following: At Monterey, Oct. 8, 1857, I was shown in vision that the condition of many Sabbath-keepers was like the young man who came to JESUS to know what he should do to inherit eternal life. And behold, one came, and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is240none good but one, that is GOD: but, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? JESUS said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet? JESUS said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. “Then said JESUS unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of GOD. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But JESUS beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with GOD all things are possible.” Matt. xix, 16–26. JESUS quoted five of the last six commandments to the young man, also the second great commandment, on which the last six commandments hang. These mentioned he thought he241had kept. JESUS did not mention the first four commandments, containing our duty to GOD. In answer to the inquiry of the young man, What lack I yet? JESUS said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.” Here was his lack. He failed of keeping the first four commandments, also the last six. He failed of loving his neighbor as himself. Said JESUS, “Give to the poor.” JESUS touches his possessions. “Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor.” In this direct reference he pointed out his idol. His love of riches was supreme, therefore it was impossible for him to love GOD with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his mind. And this supreme love for his riches shut his eyes to the wants of his fellow men. He did not love his neighbor as himself, therefore he failed to keep the last six commandments. His heart is on his treasure. It is swallowed up with his earthly possessions. He loves his possessions better than GOD, better than the heavenly treasure. He heard the conditions from the mouth of JESUS. If he would sell and give to the poor, he should have treasure in heaven. Here was a test of how much higher he prized eternal life than his riches. Did he eagerly lay hold of the prospect of eternal life? Did he earnestly strive to remove the obstacle that was in his242way of having a treasure in heaven? O, no. “He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” I was pointed to these words, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Said Jesus, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Said the angel, “Will God permit the rich men to keep their riches, and yet they enter into the kingdom of God?” Said another angel, “No, never.” I saw that it was GOD’s plan that these riches should be used properly, and distributed to bless the needy, and to advance the work of GOD. I saw that if men love their riches better than their fellow men, better than GOD, or the truth of his word, and their hearts are on their riches, they cannot have eternal life. They would rather yield the truth, than sell and give to the poor. Here they are proved to see how much God is loved, how much the truth is loved, and like the young man in the Bible, many go away sorrowful, because they cannot have their riches and a treasure in heaven too. They cannot have both. They venture to risk their chance of eternal life for a worldly possession. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of GOD.” Then I saw that243with GOD all things are possible. Truth set home to the heart by the Spirit of GOD, will crowd out the love of riches. The love of JESUS and riches cannot dwell in the same heart. The love of GOD so far surpasses the love of riches that the possessor breaks away from his riches and transfers his affections to GOD. Then he is led through his love to GOD, to administer to the wants of GOD’s cause. It is his highest pleasure to make a right disposition of his LORD’s goods. Love to GOD and his fellow men predominates, and he holds all that he has as not his own, and faithfully discharges his duty as GOD’s steward. Then can he keep the first four commandments, and the last six. “Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” In this way it is possible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of GOD. “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” Here is the reward for those who sacrifice for GOD. They receive an hundred-fold in this life, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many, I saw, that are first, shall be last, and the last shall be first. I was shown those244who receive the truth, but do not live it. They cling to their possessions, and are not willing to distribute of their substance to advance the cause of GOD. They have no faith to venture and trust GOD. Their love of this world swallows up their faith. GOD has called for a portion of their substance, but they heed it not. They reason thus, that they have labored hard to obtain what they have, and they cannot lend it to the LORD, for they may come to want. “O, ye of little faith!” That GOD who cared for Elijah in the time of famine, will not pass by one of his self-sacrificing children. He that has numbered the hairs of their heads, will care for them, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. While the wicked are perishing all around them for want of bread, their bread and water will be sure. Those who will still cling to their earthly treasure, and will not make a right disposition of that which is lent them of GOD, will lose their treasure in heaven, lose everlasting life. I saw that GOD in his providence has moved upon the hearts of some of those who have riches, and has converted them to the truth, that they with their substance may assist to keep his work moving. And if those who are wealthy will not do this, if they do not fulfill the purpose of GOD, he will pass them by, and raise up others to fill their places who will fulfill his purpose, and with their possessions gladly245distribute to meet the necessities of the cause of GOD. In this they will be first. GOD will have those in his cause who will do this. I saw that God could send means from heaven to carry on his work; but this is out of his order. He has ordained that men should be his instruments, that as a great sacrifice was made to redeem them, they should act a part in this work of salvation, by making a sacrifice for each other, and by thus doing show how highly they prize the sacrifice that has been made for them. I was directed to James v. “Go to, now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” I saw that these fearful words apply particularly to the wealthy who profess to believe the present truth. The LORD calls them to use their means to advance his cause. Opportunities are presented to them, but they shut their eyes to the wants of the cause, and cling fast to their earthly treasure. Their love of the world is greater than their love of the truth, the love of their fellow-men, or their love to GOD. He has called for their substance, but they selfishly, covetously retain what they246have. They give a little now and then to ease their conscience, but have not overcome their love for this world. They do not sacrifice for GOD. The LORD has raised up others that prize eternal life, that can feel and realize something of the value of the soul, and their means they have freely bestowed to advance the cause of GOD. The work is closing; the rich men have kept their riches, their large farms, their cattle, &c. Their means are not wanted then, and I saw the LORD turn to them in anger, in wrath, and repeat these words: “Go to, now, ye rich men!” He has called, but you would not hear. Love of this world has drowned his voice. Now he has no use for you, and lets you go, bidding you, “Go to, now, ye rich men.” Oh! I saw it was an awful thing thus to be let go by the LORD. A fearful thing to hold on to a perishable substance here, when he has told you, if you will sell and give alms, you can lay up treasure in heaven. I was shown that as the work was closing up, and the truth going forth in mighty power, these rich men will bring their means and lay it at the feet of the servants of GOD, begging them to accept it. The answer from the servants of GOD is, Go to, now, ye rich men. Your means are not needed. You withheld it when you could do good with it in advancing the cause of GOD. The needy have247suffered, they have not been blessed by your means. GOD will not accept your riches now. Go to, now, ye rich men! Then I was directed to these words: “Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth, and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the LORD of Sabaoth.” I saw that God was not in ALL the riches that have been obtained. Satan has much more to do with it than God. It has, much of it, been obtained by oppressing the hireling in his wages. The natural, covetous, rich man has obtained these riches by grinding down the hireling, and taking advantage of individuals where he could, and adding to his treasure here, that will eat his flesh as it were fire. A strictly honest, honorable course has not been taken by some. Such must work fast and take a very different course to redeem the time. I saw that many Sabbath-keepers are at fault here. Advantage is taken even of their poor brethren, and those who have of their abundance exact more than the real worth of things, more than they would pay for the same, while these same brethren are embarrassed and distressed for want of means. God knows all these things. Every selfish act, every covetous extortion, will bring its reward. I saw it was cruel and unjust to have no consideration of a brother’s situation. If he is distressed, or poor, yet doing the best he can, allowance should be made for him, and even the full value of the things he may purchase of the wealthy should not be exacted; but they should have bowels of compassion for him. God will approve of such kind acts, and the doer will not lose his reward. But I saw a fearful account will stand against many Sabbath-keepers for close, covetous acts. I was pointed back, and saw when there were but few that listened to, and embraced the truth, they had not much of this world’s goods. The wants of the cause were divided among a very few. Then there was a necessity for houses and lands to be sold and obtain cheaper to serve them as a shelter or home, while their means were freely and generously lent to the LORD to publish the truth, and to otherwise aid in advancing the cause of GOD. As I beheld these self-sacrificing ones, I saw they had endured privation for the benefit of the cause. I saw an angel standing by them pointing them upward, and saying these words, “Ye have bags in heaven! Ye have bags in heaven that wax not old! Endure unto the end, and great will be thy reward!” I saw that GOD had been moving on hearts. The truth that a few sacrificed so much for, in order to get it before others, has triumphed,249and multitudes have laid hold of it. GOD has in his providence moved upon those that have means and has brought them into the truth, that as the work of GOD increases, the wants of the cause may be met. Much means are brought into the ranks of Sabbath-keepers. I saw that at present GOD did not call for the houses his people need to live in, unless expensive houses are exchanged for cheaper ones. But if those who have of their abundance do not hear his voice, and cut loose from the world, and dispose of a portion of their property and lands, and sacrifice for GOD, he will pass them by, and call for those who are willing to do anything for JESUS, even to sell their homes to meet the wants of the cause. GOD will have a free-will offering. Those who give must esteem it a privilege to do so. I have seen that some give of their abundance, but they feel no lack. They do not particularly deny themselves of anything for the cause of CHRIST. They still have all that heart can wish. They give liberally and heartily. GOD regards it, and the action and motive is known, and strictly marked by him. They will not lose their reward. You that cannot bestow so liberally, must not excuse yourselves, because you cannot do as much as some others. Do what you can. Deny yourself of some article that you can do without, and sacrifice for the cause of GOD. Like the250widow, cast in your two mites. You will actually give more than all those who have given of their abundance. And you will know how sweet it is to give to the needy, to deny self, and sacrifice for the truth, and lay up treasure in heaven. I was shown that the young, especially young men, who profess the truth have yet a lesson of self-denial to learn. I saw that if they made more sacrifice for the truth, they would esteem the truth more highly. It would affect their hearts, purify their lives, and they would hold it more dear and sacred. I saw that the young do not take the burden nor feel the responsibility of the cause of God. Is it because God has excused them? Oh no. I saw that they excuse themselves. They are eased, and others are burdened. They do not realize that they are not their own. Their strength, their time, is not their own. They are bought with a price. A dear sacrifice was made for them, and unless they possess the spirit of self-denial and sacrifice, they can never possess the immortal inheritance.