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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
purposes. Brother J has exerted an influence in Ohio which he must
labor to counteract. I saw that there were those in Ohio who would take
the right position with right instructions. They have been willing to
sustain the cause of present truth, but have seen so little accomplished
that they have become discouraged. Their hands are feeble, and need
staying up. I saw that the cause of God is not to be carried forward
by pressed offerings. God does not accept such offerings. This matter
is to be left wholly to the people. They are not to bring a yearly gift
merely, but should also freely present a weekly and monthly offering
before the Lord. This work is left to the people, for it is to be to them a
weekly, monthly, living test. This tithing system, I saw, would develop
character, and manifest the true state of the heart. If the brethren in
Ohio have this matter presented before them in its true bearing, and
are left to decide for themselves, they will see wisdom and order in
the tithing system.
Ministers should not be severe, and draw upon any one man, and
press means from him. If he does not give just as much as another
thinks he should, they are not to denounce him, and throw him over-
board. They should be as patient and forbearing as the angels are. They
should work in union with Jesus. Christ and angels are watching the
development of character, and weighing moral worth. The Lord bears
long with His erring people. The truth will be brought to bear closer
and closer, and will cut off one idol after another, until God reigns
supreme in the hearts of His consecrated people. I saw that God’s
people must bring to Him a freewill offering; and the responsibility
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should be left wholly upon the individual, whether he will give much
or little. It will be faithfully recorded. Give the people of God time to
develop character.
Ministers of God should bear the pointed testimony. The living
truths of His word should be brought to bear upon the heart. And
when the people in Ohio have a worthy object placed before them,
those whose hearts are in sympathy with the work will freely impart
of their means to advance the cause of God. The Lord is testing and
proving His people. If any have no heart in the work, and fail to bring
their offerings to God, He will visit them; and if they continue to cling
to their covetousness, He will separate them from His people. I saw
that there must be a system which will draw upon all. Young men
and young women who have health and strength, have felt but little