Jesus has pleaded that the unfruitful tree might be spared a little longer; and I make one more plea for you to put forth no faint effort, but a most earnest one, for the kingdom. Rescue yourself from the snare of Satan before the word, “He is joined to idols, let him alone,” shall be spoken in regard to you in heaven. All money lovers, like yourself, will one day cry in bitter anguish: “Oh, the deceitfulness of riches! I have sold my soul for money.” Your only hope now is to make no feeble move, but to turn square about. Resolutely call to your aid the will power that you have so long exercised in the wrong direction, and now work in the opposite direction. This is the only way for you to overcome covetousness. {3T 544.3}

Jesus bad om at det ufrugtbare træ kunne forblive lidt længere; og endnu beder jeg en gang at du ikke må komme med svage anstrengelser, men med alvorlige anstrengelser, for riget. Befri dig selv fra Satans snare før ordene, "han er forenet med afguder, lad ham være," skal siges om dig i himlen. Alle dem der elsker penge, lige som du, vil en dag skrige i (545) bitre pinsler: "Oh de rigdommes bedrag! Jeg har solgt min sjæl for penge." Nu er dit eneste håb at du ikke må handle svagt, men vende helt om. Kald straks viljens kraft til hjælp, du har så længe brugt den i forkert retning. Dette er den eneste måde du kan overvinde begærlighed på.