I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for
those who were looking for Christ's second appearing and keeping
all the commandments of God. Satan told his angels that the churches
were asleep. He would increase his power and lying wonders, and
he could hold them. "But," he said, "the sect of
Sabbathkeepers we hate; they are continually working against us,
and taking from us our subjects, to keep the hated law of God.
Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If
you can make them place their affections upon these things, we
shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make
them care more for money than for the success of Christ's kingdom
or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before
them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize
it. We must keep in our ranks all the means of which we can gain
control. The more means the followers of Christ devote to His
service, the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our
subjects. As they appoint meetings in different places, we are
in danger. Be very vigilant then. Cause disturbance and confusion
if possible. Destroy love for one another. Discourage and dishearten
their ministers; for we hate them. Present every plausible excuse
to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money
matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress.
This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of
ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling
traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation
and grace stand back. Crowd every attraction around them, and
they will be surely ours. And not only are we sure of them, but
their hateful influence will not be exercised to lead others to
heaven. When any shall attempt to give, put within them a grudging
disposition, that it may be sparingly."
I saw that Satan carries out his plans well. As the servants of
God appoint meetings, Satan with his angels is on the ground to
hinder the work. He is constantly putting suggestions into the
minds of God's people. He leads some in one way and some in another,
always taking advantage of evil traits in the brethren and sisters,
exciting and stirring up their natural besetments. If they are
disposed to be selfish and covetous, Satan takes his stand by
their side, and with all his power seeks to lead them to indulge
their besetting sins. The grace of God and the light of truth
may melt away their covetous, selfish feelings for a little, but
if they do not obtain entire victory, Satan comes in when they
are not under a saving influence and withers every noble, generous
principle, and they think that too much is required of them. They
become weary of well-doing and forget the great sacrifice which
Jesus made to redeem them from the power of Satan and from hopeless
misery.
Satan took advantage of the covetous, selfish disposition of Judas
and led him to murmur when Mary poured the costly ointment upon
Jesus. Judas looked upon this as a great waste, and declared that
the ointment might have been sold and given to the poor. He cared
not for the poor, but considered the liberal offering to Jesus
extravagant. Judas prized his Lord just enough to sell Him for
a few pieces of silver. And I saw that there were some like Judas
among those who profess to be waiting for their Lord. Satan controls
them, but they know it not. God cannot approve of the least degree
of covetousness or selfishness, and He abhors the prayers and
exhortations of those who indulge these evil traits. As Satan
sees that his time is short, he leads men on to be more and more
selfish and covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapped
up in themselves, close, penurious, and selfish. If the eyes of
such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph,
exulting over them and laughing at the folly of those who accept
his suggestions and enter his snares.
Satan and his angels mark all the mean and covetous acts of these
persons and present them to Jesus and His holy angels, saying
reproachfully, "These are Christ's followers! They are preparing
to be translated!" Satan compares their course with passages
of Scripture in which it is plainly rebuked and then taunts the
heavenly angels, saying, "These are following Christ and
His Word! These are the fruit of Christ's sacrifice and redemption!"
Angels turn in disgust from the scene. God requires a constant
doing on the part of His people; and when they become weary of
well-doing, He becomes weary of them. I saw that He is greatly
displeased with the least manifestation of selfishness on the
part of His professed people, for whom Jesus spared not His own
precious life. Every selfish, covetous person will fall out by
the way. Like Judas, who sold his Lord, they will sell good principles
and a noble, generous disposition for a little of earth's gain.
All such will be sifted out from God's people. Those who want
heaven must, with all the energy which they possess, be encouraging
the principles of heaven. Instead of withering up with selfishness,
their souls should be expanding with benevolence. Every opportunity
should be improved in doing good to one another and thus cherishing
the principles of heaven. Jesus was presented to me as the perfect
pattern. His life was without selfish interest, but ever marked
with disinterested benevolence. -