74
Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
David well understood from whom came all his bounties. Would
that those of this day who rejoice in a Saviour’s love could realize that
their silver and gold are the Lord’s and should be used to promote His
glory, not grudgingly retained to enrich and gratify themselves. He
has an indisputable right to all that He has lent His creatures. All that
they possess is His.
There are high and holy objects that require means, and money thus
invested will yield to the giver more elevated and permanent enjoyment
[79]
than if it were expended in personal gratification or selfishly hoarded
for greed of gain. When God calls for our treasure, whatever the
amount may be, the willing response makes the gift a consecrated
offering to Him and lays up for the giver a treasure in heaven that
moth cannot corrupt, that fire cannot consume, nor thieves break in
and steal. The investment is safe. The money is placed in bags that
have no holes; it is secure.
Can Christians, who boast of a broader light than had the Hebrews,
give less than they? Can Christians living near the close of time be
satisfied with their offerings when not half so large as were those of
the Jews? Their liberality was to benefit their own nation; the work
in these last days extends to the entire world. The message of truth is
to go to all nations, tongues, and people; its publications, printed in
many different languages, are to be scattered abroad like the leaves of
autumn.
It is written: “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the
flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind.” And again: “He
that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He
walked.” Let us inquire: What would our Saviour have done in our
circumstances? what would have been His efforts for the salvation of
souls? This question is answered by the example of Christ. He left
His royalty, laid aside His glory, sacrificed His riches, and clothed His
divinity with humanity, that He might reach men where they were. His
example shows that He laid down His life for sinners.
Satan told Eve that a high state of felicity could be gained through
the gratification of unlicensed appetite, but the promise of God to
man is through denial of self. When upon the shameful cross Christ
was suffering in agony for man’s redemption, human nature was ex-
alted. Only by the cross can the human family be elevated to connect