Chapter 49—Bringing Reproach Upon God’s Cause
The religion you profess makes it as much your duty to employ
your time during the six working days, as to attend church on the
Sabbath. You are not diligent in business. You let hours, days, and
even weeks pass without accomplishing anything. The very best
sermon you could preach to the world would be to show a decided
reformation in your life, and provide for your own family. Says the
apostle, “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his
own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
You bring a reproach upon the cause by locating in a place where
you indulge indolence for a time, and then are obliged to run in debt
for provision for your family. These, your honest debts, you are not
always particular to pay, but, instead, move to another place. This
is defrauding your neighbor. The world has a right to expect strict
integrity in those who profess to be Bible Christians. By one man’s
indifference in regard to paying his just dues, all our people are in
danger of being regarded as unreliable.
“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even
so to them.” This refers to those who labor with their hands as well
as to those who have gifts to bestow. God has given you strength
and skill, but you have not used them. Your strength is sufficient to
abundantly support your family. Rise in the morning, even while the
stars are shining, if need be. Lay your plans to do something, and
then accomplish it. Redeem every pledge, unless sickness lays you
prostrate. Better deny yourself food and sleep than be guilty of keeping
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from others their just dues.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:179, 180
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What the Eighth Commandment Requires
The eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave deal-
ing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It
demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It
forbids overreaching in trade, and requires the payment of just debts
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