Chapter 41—Systematic Benevolence
I was pointed back to the children of Israel anciently. God re-
quired of them all, both poor and rich, a sacrifice according as He had
prospered them. The poor were not excused because they had not the
wealth of their rich brethren. They were required to exercise economy
and self-denial. And if any were so poor that it was utterly impossible
for them to bring an offering to the Lord, if sickness or misfortune had
deprived them of the ability to bestow, those who were wealthy were
required to help them to a humble mite, that they come not before the
Lord empty-handed. This arrangement preserved a mutual interest.
Some have not come up and united in the plan of systematic benev-
olence, excusing themselves because they were not free from debt.
They plead that they must first “owe no man anything.” But the fact
that they are in debt does not excuse them. I saw that they should
render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things
that are God’s. Some feel conscientious to “owe no man anything,”
and think that God can require nothing of them until their debts are
all paid. Here they deceive themselves. They fail to render to God
the things that are His. Everyone must bring to the Lord a suitable
offering. Those who are in debt should take the amount of their debts
from what they possess, and give a proportion of the remainder.
Some have felt under sacred obligations to their children. They
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must give each a portion, but feel themselves unable to raise means
to aid the cause of God. They make the excuse that they have a duty
to their children. This may be right, but their first duty is to God.
Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things
that are God’s. Rob not God by withholding from Him your tithes
and offerings. It is the first sacred duty to render to God a suitable
proportion. Let no one throw in his claims and lead you to rob God.
Let not your children steal your offering from God’s altar for their own
benefit.
I saw that anciently the covetousness of some led them to withhold
a suitable proportion; they made their offering stinted. This was
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