A Desire for Treasures on any other Motive, appears to be against that Command of our blessed Saviour, Lay not up for yourselves Treasures here on Earth, Mat. vi. 19.
He forbids not laying up in the Summer against the Wants of Winter; nor doth he teach us to be slothful in that which properly relates to our being in this World; but in this Prohibition he puts in yourselves, Lay not up for yourselves Treasures here on Earth.
Now in the pure Light, this Language is understood, for in the Love of Christ there is no Respect of Persons; and while we abide in his Love, we live not to ourselves, but to him who died for us. And as we are thus united in Spirit to Christ, we are engaged to labour in promoting that Work in the Earth for which he suffer'd.
In this State of Mind our Desires are, that every honest Member in Society may have a Portion of Treasure, and Share of Trust, answerable to that Gift, with which our Heavenly Father hath gifted us.
In great Treasure, there is a great Trust. A great Trust requireth great Care. But the laborious Mind wants Rest.
A pious Man is content to do a Share of Business in Society, answerable to the Gifts with which he is endowed, while the Channels of Business are free from Unrighteousness, but is careful lest at any Time his Heart be over-charg'd.
In the harmonious Spirit of Society Christ is all in all, Col. iii. 11.
Here it is that old Things are past away, all Things are new, all Things are of God, 2 Cor. v. 17, 18, and the Desire for outward Riches is at an End.
They of low Degree who have small Gifts, enjoy their Help who have large Gifts; those with their small Gifts, have a small degree of Care, while these with their large Gifts, have a large degree of Care: And thus to abide in the Love of Christ, and enjoy a comfortable Living in this World is all that is aimed at by those Members in Society, to whom Christ is made Wisdom and Righteousness.
But when they who have much Treasure, are not faithful Stewards of the Gifts of God, great Difficulties attend it.