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Counsels on Stewardship
Christ Jesus, may appear in the believer. All dross must be cleansed
from the soul, through the sanctification of the truth....
Through the grace of Christ our efforts to bless others are not only
the means of our growth in grace, but they will enhance our future,
eternal happiness. To those who have been coworkers with Christ it
will be said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”—
The Review and Herald, June
27, 1893
.
Not to Be Supported in Idleness
The custom of supporting men and women in idleness by private
gifts or church money encourages them in wrong habits. This course
should be conscientiously avoided. Every man, woman, and child
should be educated to practical, useful work. All should learn some
trade. It may be tentmaking, it may be some other business, but all
should be trained to use their powers to some purpose. And God is
ready to increase the capabilities of all who will educate themselves
to industrious habits. We are to be “not slothful in business; fervent
in spirit; serving the Lord.” God will bless all who will guard their
influence in this respect.—
The Review and Herald, March 13, 1900
.
[166]
Diverting Means From the Mission Treasury
In many cases means which should be devoted to the missionary
work is diverted into other channels, from mistaken ideas of benevo-
lence. We may err in making gifts to the poor which are not a blessing
to them, leading them to feel that they need not exert themselves
and practice economy, for others will not permit them to suffer. We
should not give countenance to indolence, or encourage habits of self-
gratification by affording means for indulgence. While the worthy
poor are not to be neglected, all should be taught, so far as possible, to
help themselves.
The salvation of souls is the burden of our work. It was for this that
Christ made the great sacrifice, and it is this that specially demands
our beneficence.—
Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the
Seventh-day Adventists, 293
.