Tithes and Offerings
365
not our numbers nor our wealth that will give us a signal victory; but
it is devotion to the work, moral courage, ardent love for souls, and
untiring, unflagging zeal.
There are many who have looked upon the Jewish nation as a
people to be pitied because they were constantly taxed for the support
of their religion; but God, who created man and provided him with
all the blessings he enjoys, knew what was for his best good. And
through His blessing He made their nine tenths worth more to them
than the entire amount without His blessing. If any, through selfishness,
robbed God or brought to Him an offering not perfect, disaster and
loss were sure to follow them. God reads the motives of the heart. He
is acquainted with the purposes of men and will mete out to them in
His own good time as they have merited.
The special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which
is as enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing
to the Jews, else God would not have given it them. So also will it be
a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time. Our heavenly
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Father did not originate the plan of systematic benevolence to enrich
Himself, but to be a great blessing to man. He saw that this system of
beneficence was just what man needed.
Those churches who are the most systematic and liberal in sus-
taining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually. True
liberality in the follower of Christ identifies his interest with that of
his Master. In God’s dealing with the Jews and His people to the end
of time, He requires systematic benevolence proportionate to their
income. The plan of salvation was laid by the infinite sacrifice of the
Son of God. The light of the gospel shining from the cross of Christ
rebukes selfishness and encourages liberality and benevolence. It is not
to be a lamented fact that there are increasing calls to give. God in His
providence is calling His people out from their limited sphere of action
to enter upon greater enterprises. Unlimited effort is demanded at this
time when moral darkness is covering the world. Worldliness and
covetousness are eating out the vitals of God’s people. They should
understand that it is His mercy which multiplies the demands for their
means. The angel of God places benevolent acts close beside prayer.
He said to Cornelius: “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a
memorial before God.”