As the features of the countenance are reproduced with unerring accuracy on the polished plate of the artist , so the character is faithfully delineated in the books above . Yet how little solicitude is felt concerning that record which is to meet the gaze of heavenly beings . Could the veil which separates the visible from the invisible world be swept back , and the children of men behold an angel recording every word and deed , which they must meet again in the judgment , how many words that are daily uttered would remain unspoken , how many deeds would remain undone .
In the judgment the use made of every talent will be scrutinized . How have we employed the capital lent us of Heaven ? Will the Lord at His coming receive His own with usury ? Have we improved the powers entrusted us , in hand and heart and brain , to the glory of God and the blessing of the world ? How have we used our time , our pen , our voice , our money , our influence ? What have we done for Christ , in the person of the poor , the afflicted , the orphan , or the widow ? God has made us the depositaries of His holy word ; what have we done with the light and truth given us to make men wise unto salvation ? No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine . Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value . Whatever is done from love , however small it may appear in the estimation of men , is accepted and rewarded of God .
The hidden selfishness of men stands revealed in the books of heaven . There is the record of unfulfilled duties to their fellow men , of forgetfulness of the Saviour ' s claims . There they will see how often were given to Satan the time , thought , and strength that belonged to Christ . Sad is the record which angels bear to heaven . Intelligent beings , professed followers of Christ , are absorbed in the acquirement of worldly possessions or the enjoyment of earthly pleasures . Money , time , and strength are sacrificed for display and self-indulgence ; but few are the moments devoted to prayer , to the searching of the Scriptures , to humiliation of soul and confession of sin . Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds , that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted . The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator . He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth .
Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour ' s mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God . The precious hours , instead of being given to pleasure , to display , or to gain seeking , should be devoted to an earnest , prayerful study of the word of truth . The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God . All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest . Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill . Every individual has a soul to save or to lose . Each has a case pending at the bar of God . Each must meet the great Judge face to face . How important , then , that every mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the
309