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Counsels on Stewardship
Conditions for Receiving God’s Promises
There have been special occasions at large gatherings, when ap-
peals have been made to the professed followers of Christ, for the
cause of God, and hearts have been stirred, and many have made
pledges to sustain the work. But many of those who pledged have not
dealt honorably with God. They have been negligent, and have failed
to redeem their pledges to their Maker. But if man is so indifferent
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about his promises to God, can he expect that the Lord will fulfill a
promise made on conditions that have never been kept? It is best to
deal honestly with your fellow men and with God.—
The Review and
Herald, December 17, 1889
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Satan’s Protest
Of the means entrusted to men, God claims a certain portion,—the
tenth. He leaves all free to say whether or not they will give more than
this. But when the heart is stirred by the influence of the Holy Spirit,
and a vow is made to give a certain amount, the one who vows has no
longer any right to the consecrated portion. Promises of this kind made
to men would be looked upon as binding; are those not more binding
that are made to God? Are promises tried in the court of conscience
less binding than written agreements of men?
When divine light is shining into the heart with unusual clearness
and power, habitual selfishness relaxes its grasp, and there is a disposi-
tion to give to the cause of God. But none need think that they will be
allowed to fulfill the promises then made, without a protest on the part
of Satan. He is not pleased to see the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth
built up. He suggests that the pledge made was too much, that it may
cripple them in their efforts to acquire property or gratify the desires
of their families.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 74, 75
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Need for an Aroused Conscience
There must be an awakening among us as a people upon this matter.
There are but few men who feel conscience stricken if they neglect
their duty in beneficence. But few feel remorseful of soul because they
are daily robbing God.
If a Christian deliberately or accidentally underpays his neighbor,
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