I saw that in the arrangement of systematic benevolence, hearts will be tested and proved. It is a constant, living test. It brings one to understand his own heart, to see whether the truth or the love of the world predominates. Here is a test for the naturally selfish and covetous. They will put down their possessions at very low figures. Here they dissemble. Said the angel: “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully.” Angels are watching the development of character, and the acts of such are carried to heaven by the heavenly messengers. Some will be visited of God for these things, and their increase will be brought down to their figures. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:24, 25. {1T 221.3}

Jeg så at i ordningen for systematisk godgørenhed, vil hjerter blive prøvet. Det er en stadig løbene og levende prøve. Det får én til at forstå sit eget hjerte og se om verdens kærlighed eller sandhed er fremherskende. Her er der en prøve for det naturligt selviske og begærlige. De vil gøre deres ejendomme i meget små tal. Her hykler de. (222) Englen sagde: »Forbandet være den, der er lad til at gøre Herrens værk.« Engle holder øje med karakterens udvikling og handlingerne fra denne bringes til himlen af himmelske budbringere. Nogle vil blive hjemsøgt af Gud for disse ting og deres forøgelse vil bringes ned til deres størrelse. »Én strør om sig og gør dog fremgang, en anden nægter sig alt og mangler. Gavmild sjæl bliver mæt; hvo andre kvæger, kvæges og selv.« Ordsp 11,14.15.