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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
boasted as being with them is now bearing a public testimony, and not
one place of regular meeting of our knowledge among them.”—
The
Review and Herald, January 14, 1858
.
Page 190, Systematic Benevolence—In the early days of the mes-
sage, men impelled by the urge of conviction went forth to preach the
new-found truths. They were dependent for their support upon their
own labors or the freewill offerings of the believers. Such an uncertain
method was more or less spasmodic and fluctuating. Early in 1859
the need for a more certain plan was felt, and earnest study was given
to the matter. There grew out of this study the plan called Systematic
Benevolence. In harmony with
1 Corinthians 16:2
giving regularly on
the first day of the week was recommended, and, as suggested by
2
Corinthians 8:12-14
, an equitable distribution of financial responsibil-
ity. The plan called for brethren to lay by in store weekly from five to
twenty-five cents; the sisters, from two to ten cents; and for property
owners to give weekly from one to five cents on each hundred dollars
worth of assets.
The plan was generally received with favor, and here received
[715]
the endorsement of the spirit of prophecy. The greatest sin in the
church was pointed out to be covetousness. (Page 194.) Systematic
Benevolence was not presented as a perfected plan, for it was also
stated that “God is leading his people” in the matter, and “is bringing”
them up. (Page 191.) As plans for support of the work and the ministry
broadened, the spirit of liberality was encouraged more and more until
at length light from the Scriptures revealed the system of tithes and
offerings as they are known in the church today
.
Page 210, Organization—Up to the year 1860 there had been no
legal or church organization among the Sabbathkeeping Adventists.
They had not even adopted a name. They spoke of themselves as the
“Scattered Flock,” The “Little Remnant,” or some variation of such
expressions. Now Elder White had announced through the Review
that he must refuse to continue to assume personal responsibility for
money lent to the Review and Herald office. He further expressed the
hope that the time might soon come when “this people will be in that
position necessary to be able to get church property insured, hold their
meeting houses in a proper manner, that those persons making their
wills, and wishing to do so, can appropriate a portion to the publishing
department.” He called upon his brethren to make suggestions as to