Chapter 106—Economy and Benevolence
Many despise economy, confounding it with stinginess and narrow-
ness. But economy is consistent with the broadest liberality. Indeed,
without economy there can be no true liberality. We are to save that
we may give.
No one can practice real benevolence without self-denial. Only
by a life of simplicity, self-denial, and close economy is it possible
for us to accomplish the work appointed us as Christ’s representatives.
Pride and worldly ambition must be put out of our hearts. In all our
work, the principle of unselfishness revealed in Christ’s life is to be
carried out. Upon the walls of our homes, the pictures, the furnishings,
we are to read, “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” On our
wardrobes were are to see written, as with the finger of God, “Clothe
the naked.” In the dining-room, on the table laden with abundant food,
we should see traced, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry?”
Open Doors of Usefulness
A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. Often we
lament the scanty resources available, but were Christians thoroughly
in earnest, they could multiply the resources a thousandfold. It is
selfishness, self-indulgence, that bars the way to our usefulness.
How much means is expended for things that are mere idols, things
that engross thought and time and strength which should be put to a
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higher use! How much money is wasted on expensive houses and fur-
niture, on selfish pleasures, luxurious and unwholesome food, hurtful
indulgences! How much is squandered on gifts that benefit no one!
For things that are needless, often harmful, professed Christians are
today spending more, many times more, than they spend in seeking to
rescue souls from the tempter.
Many who profess to be Christians spend so much on dress that
they have nothing to spare for the needs of others. Costly ornaments
and expensive clothing they think they must have, regardless of the
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