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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
When the divine light is shining into the heart with unusual clear-
ness and power, habitual selfishness relaxes its grasp, and there is a
disposition to give to the cause of God. None need expect that they
will be allowed to fulfill the promises then made without a protest on
the part of Satan. He is not pleased to see the Redeemer’s kingdom on
earth built up. He suggests that the pledge made was too much, that
it may cripple them in their efforts to acquire property or gratify the
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desires of their families. The power Satan has over the human mind
is wonderful. He labors most earnestly to keep the heart bound up in
self.
The only means which God has ordained to advance His cause
is to bless men with property. He gives them the sunshine and the
rain; He causes vegetation to flourish; He gives health and ability to
acquire means. All our blessings come from His bountiful hand. In
turn He would have men and women show their gratitude by returning
Him a portion in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in freewill
offerings, in trespass offerings.
The hearts of men become hardened through selfishness, and, like
Ananias and Sapphira, they are tempted to withhold part of the price
while pretending to come up to the rules of tithing. Will a man rob
God? Should means flow into the treasury exactly according to God’s
plan,—a tenth of all the increase,—there would be abundance to carry
forward His work.
Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause; I am
weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask: Are you weary of
receiving from God’s beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless
you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He
claims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless others.
When you are weary of receiving, then you may say: I am weary of
so many calls to give. God reserves to Himself a portion of all that
we receive. When this is returned to Him, the remaining portion is
blessed, but when it is withheld, the whole is sooner or later cursed.
God’s claim is first; every other is secondary.
In every church there should be established a treasury for the poor.
Then let each member present a thank offering to God once a week or
once a month, as is most convenient. This offering will express our
gratitude for the gifts of health, of food, and of comfortable clothing.
And according as God has blessed us with these comforts will we
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