The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 488

us, they will bear their testimony to justify or condemn.
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

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