I saw that there are many who have wrapped their talent in a napkin and hid it in the earth. They seem to think that every penny which is invested in the cause of God is lost to them beyond redemption. To those who feel thus, it is even so. They will receive no reward. They give grudgingly only because they feel obliged to do something. God loveth the cheerful giver. Those who flatter themselves that they can shift their responsibility upon the wife or children are deceived by the enemy. A transfer of property will not lessen their responsibility. They are accountable for the means which Heaven has entrusted to their care, and in no way can they excuse themselves from this responsibility until they are released by rendering back to God that which He has committed to them. {1T 530.2}

Jeg så at der er mange, som har pakket deres talenter ind i et stykke stof og skjult den i jorden. Det var som om, de troede at enhver øre, investeret i Guds sag, ville de miste ved indløsningen. Dem som føler det på den måde, er det således. De vil ikke få nogen løn. De giver kun modstræbende fordi de føler sig forpligtet til at gøre sådan. Gud elsker en glad giver. Dem, som blider sig selv ind at de kan overlade deres ansvar til kone eller børn er bedraget af fjenden. En overdragelse af midlerne vil ikke formindske deres ansvar. De står til regnskab for de midler himlen har betroet i deres varetægt og de kan på ingen måde fritage sig selv fra dette ansvar, før de skal give Gud det tilbage, som han har betroet dem.