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The Adventist Home
By one man’s indifference in regard to paying his just dues all our
people are in danger of being regarded as unreliable
Those who make any pretensions to godliness should adorn the
doctrine they profess, and not give occasion for the truth to be reviled
through their inconsiderate course of action. “Owe no man any thing,”
says the apostle
Counsel to One in Debt—Be determined never to incur another
debt. Deny yourself a thousand things rather than run in debt. This has
been the curse of your life, getting into debt. Avoid it as you would
the smallpox.
Make a solemn covenant with God that by His blessing you will
pay your debts and then owe no man anything if you live on porridge
and bread. It is so easy in preparing your table to throw out of your
pocket twenty-five cents for extras. Take care of the pennies, and the
dollars will take care of themselves. It is the mites here and the mites
there that are spent for this, that, and the other that soon run up into
dollars. Deny self at least while you are walled in with debts.... Do
not falter, be discouraged, or turn back. Deny your taste, deny the
[394]
indulgence of appetite, save your pence, and pay your debts. Work
them off as fast as possible. When you can stand forth a free man again,
owing no man anything, you will have achieved a great victory
Show Consideration for Unfortunate Debtors—If some are
found to be in debt and really unable to meet their obligations, they
should not be pressed to do that which is beyond their power. They
should be given a favorable chance to discharge their indebtedness,
and not be placed in a position where they are utterly unable to free
themselves from debt. Though such a course might be considered
justice, it is not mercy and the love of God
Danger in Extreme Positions—Some are not discreet and would
incur debts that might be avoided. Others exercise a caution that
savors of unbelief. By taking advantage of circumstances we may at
times invest means to such advantage that the work of God will be
strengthened and upbuilt, and yet keep strictly to right principles
[395]
8
Testimonies For The Church 5, 179
.
9
Ibid., 5:181, 182
.
10
Counsels on Stewardship, 257
.
11
Manuscript 46, 1900
.
12
Manuscript 20, 1891
.