Vision Given at Round Grove, Ills., Dec., 9th, 1856

I saw that God had warned those that had moved from the East to the West. He had shown them their duty, that it must not be their object to get rich, but to do good to souls; to live out their faith, and tell to those around them that this world is not their home.T03 11.1

The warning was sufficient, if it had been heeded; but there was no considering of what God had shown, but they rushed on, and on, and became drunk with the spirit of the world. “Look back,” said the angel, “and weigh all that God has shown in regard to those moving from the East to the West.” Have ye obeyed it? I saw that ye had gone entirely contrary to God's teachings, purchased largely, and, instead of your works saying to those around you, that ye are seeking a better country, your works have plainly declared that here was your home and treasure. Your works have denied your faith.T03 11.2

Nor is this all. The love that should exist between brethren has been gone. “Am I my brother's keeper?” has been manifest; a selfish, covetous spirit has been in the hearts of the brethren. Instead of looking out for the interest of thy brother and caring for him, in deal there has been manifested a selfish spirit, a close spirit, that God despises. The people of God, that make so high a profession, and that number themselves among the peculiar people of God, saying by their profession that they are zealous of good works, should be noble and generous, and should ever manifest a disposition to favor their brethren, instead of their own selves and should give their brethren the best chance. Generosity begets generosity. Selfishness begets selfishness.T03 11.3

I saw through the past Summer the prevailing spirit has been to grasp as much of this world as they possibly could. I saw that the Commandments of God have not been kept. With the mind we serve the law of God But the mind has been serving the world. And while the mind was all occupied with things of earth, and serving themselves they could not serve the law of God. The Sabbath has not been kept. By some the work of six days has been carried into the seventh. One hour, and even more, has often been taken off of the commencement, and close of the Sabbath.T03 12.1

I saw that some of the Sabbath-keepers, who say to the world they are looking for Jesus’ coming, and that they believe we are having the last Message of mercy, give way to their natural feelings and barter and trade, and are a proverb among unbelievers, for their keenness in trade, for being sharp, and always getting the best end of a bargain. Better lose a little and exert a better influence in the world, and a happier influence among brethren, and show that this world is not their god.T03 12.2

I saw that brethren should feel interested for each other, especially should those that are blest with health have a kind regard and care for those that have not good health. They should favor them. They should remember the lesson, taught by Jesus of the good Samaritan.T03 12.3

Said Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.” How much? Why, his love cannot be told. He left the glory that he had with the Father before the world was. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” He bore every indignity and scorn patiently. Behold his agony in the garden when he prayed that the cup might pass from him! His hands and feet wounded! All this for guilty, lost man. And Jesus says, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” How much? Well enough to give your life for a brother. But has it come to this? that self must be gratified? the word of God neglected? The world is their god. They serve it, they love it, and the love of God has departed. If ye love the world the love of the Father is not in you.T03 13.1

The word of God has been neglected. In that, are the warnings to God's people, and their dangers are pointed out. But it has been cares and perplexities. They have hardly allowed themselves time to pray. There has been a mere empty form without the power. Jesus prayed, and O how earnest were his prayers. And yet he was the beloved Son of God!T03 13.2

If Jesus manifested so much earnestness, so much energy, and agonizing, how much more need for those whom he has called to be heirs of salvation, dependent upon God for all their strength, to have their whole souls stirred to wrestle with God, and say, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” But I saw hearts had been overcharged with the cares of this life, and God, and his word have been neglected.T03 13.3

I saw that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”T03 14.1

I saw that when the truth is presented, it should be in the power and Spirit. Bring them to the point to decide. Show them the importance of the truth.—it is life or death. With becoming zeal pull souls out of the fire. But O, the blighting influence that has been cast! Men waiting for their Lord, and yet possessing large and attractive lands. The farms have preached louder, yes, much louder, than words can, that this world is their home. The evil day is put off. Peace and safety reigns. O the withering, blighting influence! God hates such worldly-mindedness. “Cut loose, cut loose,” were the words of the angel.T03 14.2

I was shown that all should have an eye single to the glory of God. Those who have possessions have been too willing to excuse themselves, on their wives’ and children's account. But I saw God would not be trifled with. When he speaks, he must be obeyed. If wives or children stand in the way, and hold back, they should say as Jesus said to Peter, “Get thee behind me Satan.” Why tempt ye me to withhold from God what justly belongs to him, and ruin my own soul? Have an eye single to the glory of God.T03 14.3

I saw that many would have to learn what it is to be a Christian. That it is not in name; but it is having the mind of Christ, submitting to the will of God in all things. But especially the young, who have never known what privations or hardships are, who have a set will, and do not bend that will to the glory of God, have a great work to do. They go along very smoothly until their will is crossed, and then they have no control over themselves. They have not the will of God before them. They do not study how they can best glorify God, or advance his cause, or do good to others. But it is self, self, how can it be gratified? Such religion is not worth a straw. Those, who possess it will be weighed in the balance and found wanting.T03 15.1

The true Christian will love to wait and watch for the teachings of God, and the leadings of his Spirit. But religion with many is merely a form. Vital godliness is gone. Many dare to say I will do this, or that, or I will not do this, and so the fear of offending God is scarcely thought of. These thus described I saw, could not enter heaven as they are. They may flatter themselves that they shall be saved, but God has no pleasure in them. Their lives do not please him. Their prayers are an offense to him.T03 15.2

I saw that now Christ calls them. “Be zealous and repent.” He kindly and faithfully admonishes them to buy gold, white raiment, and eye-salve. They can choose either to partake largely of salvation, be zealous, or be spued out of the mouth of the Lord as disgusting, and be thrust from him.T03 15.3

I saw that God would not bear always. He is of tender pity, yet his Spirit will be grieved away for the last time. Mercy's sweet voice will be no more heard. Its last precious notes will have died away, and these described will be left to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings.T03 16.1

I saw that those who profess to be looking for the coming of the Lord, should not have a close, penurious spirit. I saw that some of those that have been called to talk the truth, and watch for souls as they that must give an account, have wasted much precious time for the sake of saving a little, when their time was worth a great deal more than that gained by them, which displeases God. It is right that economy should be used, but it has been stretched into meanness without any goodly object, only to add to their treasures which will shortly eat their flesh like fire, unless they as faithful stewards make a right disposal of their Lord's goods.T03 16.2

E. G. White.