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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
Only a small amount of means flows into the Lord’s treasury to
be appropriated to the saving of souls, and it is with hard labor that
even this is obtained. If the eyes of all could be opened to see how
prevailing covetousness has hindered the advancement of the work of
God, and how much more might have been done had all acted up to
God’s plan in tithes and offerings, there would be a decided reform
on the part of many; for they would not dare to hinder the work of
advancing the cause of God as they have done. The church is asleep
as to the work it might do if it would give up all for Christ. A true
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spirit of self-sacrifice would be an argument for the reality and power
of the gospel which the world could not misunderstand or gainsay, and
abundant blessings would be poured upon the church.
I call upon our brethren to cease their robbery of God. Some are
so situated that wills must be made. But in doing this, care should
be taken not to give to sons and daughters means which should flow
into the treasury of God. These wills often become the subject of
quarrels and dissensions. It is recorded to the praise of God’s ancient
people that He was not ashamed to be called their God; and the reason
assigned is that instead of selfishly seeking for and coveting earthly
possessions, or seeking their happiness in worldly pleasures, they
placed themselves and all that they had in the hands of God. They
lived only for His glory, declaring plainly that they sought a better
country, even a heavenly. Of such a people God was not ashamed.
They did not disgrace Him in the eyes of the world. The Majesty of
heaven was not ashamed to call them brethren.
There are many who urge that they cannot do more for God’s
cause than they now do; but they do not give according to their ability.
The Lord sometimes opens the eyes blinded by selfishness by simply
reducing their income to the amount they are willing to give. Horses
are found dead in the field or stable, houses or barns are destroyed
by fire, or crops fail. In many cases God tests man with blessings,
and if unfaithfulness is manifested in rendering to Him tithes and
offerings, His blessing is withdrawn. “He which soweth sparingly
shall reap also sparingly.” By the mercies of Christ and the riches of
His goodness, and for the honor of truth and religion, we beseech you
who are followers of Christ to dedicate yourselves and your property
anew to God. In view of the love and compassion of Christ, which
brought Him from the royal courts to suffer self-denial, humiliation,