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Counsels on Sabbath School Work
their gifts are wholly acceptable to God; for they make just as great,
and even greater, sacrifices than their more wealthy brethren. The
plan of systematic benevolence will prove a safeguard to every family
against temptations to spend means for needless things, and especially
will it prove a blessing to the rich by guarding them from indulging in
extravagances.
Every week the demands of God upon each family are brought
to mind by each of its members fully carrying out the plan; and as
they have denied themselves some superfluity in order to have means
to put into the treasury, lessons of value in self-denial for the glory
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of God have been impressed upon the heart. Once a week, each is
brought face to face with the doings of the past week—the income that
he might have had if he had been economical, and the means that he
does not have because of indulgence. His conscience is reined up, as
it were, before God, and either commends or accuses him. He learns
that if he retains peace of mind and the favor of God, he must eat, and
drink, and dress to His glory.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:412
.
A Signal Honor
God, in His wise plans, has made the advancement of His cause
dependent upon the personal efforts of His people, and upon their
freewill offerings. By accepting the cooperation of man in the great
plan of redemption, He has placed a signal honor upon him. The
minister cannot preach, except he be sent. The work of dispensing
light does not rest upon ministers alone. Every person, upon becoming
a member of the church, pledges himself to be a representative of
Christ by living out the truth he professes. The followers of Christ
should carry forward the work which He left for them to do when He
ascended into heaven.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:464
.
God’s Providence in Advance of Our Liberality
The small and the larger streams of beneficence should ever be
kept flowing. God’s providence is far ahead of us, moving onward
much faster than our liberalities. The way for the advancement and
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upbuilding of the cause of God is blocked by selfishness, pride, cov-
etousness, extravagance, and love of display. The whole church is