Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. Luke 12:33. TDG 130.1
We are all well this morning. Last night, Mr. and Mrs. A called. We had a good visit. The conversation ran on bank stock, how many were getting rich from investing their means. Some also were meeting with loss. Thus losses and gains were discussed by Mr. and Mrs. A and Sister B and C. TDG 130.2
“Now,” Mrs. A said, “Mrs. White must say something. She must tell us what she thinks. She has not said a word yet.” TDG 130.3
“Well,” said I, slowly, “I have been many years investing in bank stock, and met with no loss. It has yielded me back all the principal and heavy interest.” TDG 130.4
All looked up with surprise. C smiled. Mr. A asked, “Where have you invested?” TDG 130.5
“In heavenly stock. I have been sending my treasure before me into heaven. The owner in this heavenly stock had warned me, ‘Lay not up for yourself treasures upon the earth,’ and told me the danger I should incur of great losses; but He had counseled me, ‘Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.’ This investment is certain, and will yield immense profits.” TDG 130.6
Mrs. A remarked, “And it will pay every day as you go along. You may not have to wait the rise and fall of stock. It is sure returns; no danger of losses.” TDG 130.7
We then bade them good night, and left them this to think of. Praise the name of the Lord for the evidence we have daily of our treasure being laid up in heaven; precious investment. I want the assurance from day to day that Jesus is mine and I am His.—Letter 20, May 1, 1876,. TDG 130.8
“Charge them that are rich in this world ... that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Here is a wise and perfectly safe investment; good works are here specified and recommended for our practice, for your practice. Here are profits that are valuable. There will be no danger of a failure here.—Testimonies for the Church 1:693. TDG 130.9