Systematic Benevolence
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not require the poor man to give means to the cause that belongs to
his family and that should be used to keep them in comfort and above
pinching want.
The calls for means at our large camp meetings have hitherto
been attended with apparently good results so far as the wealthy are
concerned. But we fear the result of a continued effort to thus replenish
the treasury. We fear that there will be a reaction. Greater effort should
be put forth by responsible men in the different churches to have all
follow the plan of God’s arrangement. If systematic benevolence is
carried out, the urgent calls at the camp meetings for means for various
enterprises will not be necessary.
God has devised a plan by which all may give as He has prospered
them, and which will make giving a habit without waiting for special
calls. Those who can do this, but will not because of their selfishness,
are robbing their Creator, who has bestowed upon them means to
invest in His cause to advance its interests. Until all shall carry out the
plan of systematic benevolence, there will be a failure in coming up to
the apostolic rule. Those who minister in word and doctrine should
be men of discrimination. They should, while they make general
appeals, become acquainted with the ability of those who respond
to their appeals, and should not allow the poor to pay large pledges.
After a man has once consecrated a certain sum to the Lord, he feels
that it is sacred, consecrated to a holy use. This is true, and therefore
our preaching brethren should be well informed of whom they accept
pledges.
Each member of the different families in our churches who believes
the truth may act a part in its advancement by cheerfully adopting
systematic benevolence. “Let every one of you lay by him in store [by
himself at home], ... that there be no gatherings when I come.” The
burden of urging and pressing individuals to give of their means was
not designed to be the work of God’s ministers. The responsibility
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should rest upon every individual who enjoys the belief of the truth.
“Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.”
Every member of the family, from the oldest down to the youngest,
may take part in this work of benevolence.
The offerings of little children may be acceptable and pleasing to
God. In accordance with the spirit that prompts the gifts will be the
value of the offering. The poor, by following the rule of the apostle