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in the books of heaven. He has an account to settle with God for
appropriating the Lord’s means for his own convenience. And the
want of principle shown in his misappropriation of God’s means will
be revealed in his management of other matters. It will be seen in all
matters connected with his own business. The man who will rob God
is cultivating traits of character that will cut him off from admittance
into the family of God above
God Evaluates Gifts by the Love Which Prompts the Sacrifice
In the balances of the sanctuary the gifts of the poor, made from
love to Christ, are not estimated according to the amount given, but
according to the love which prompts the sacrifice. The promises of
Jesus will as surely be realized by the liberal poor man, who has
but little to offer, but who gives that little freely, as by the wealthy
man who gives of his abundance. The poor man makes a sacrifice
of his little, which he really feels. He really denies himself of some
things that he needs for his own comfort, while the wealthy man
gives of his abundance, and feels no want, denies himself nothing that
he really needs. Therefore there is a sacredness in the poor man’s
offering that is not found in the rich man’s gift, for the rich give of
their abundance. God’s providence has arranged the entire plan of
systematic benevolence for the benefit of man. His providence never
stands still. If God’s servants follow His opening providence, all will
be active workers
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
and laying by a small sum every week, help to swell the treasury, and
their gifts are wholly acceptable to God; for they make just as great,
and even greater, sacrifices than their more wealthy brethren. The
plan of systematic benevolence will prove a safeguard to every family
against temptations to spend means for needless things, and especially
will it prove a blessing to the rich by guarding them from indulging in
extravagances
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Testimonies for the Church 6:391
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Testimonies for the Church 3:398, 399
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Testimonies for the Church 3:412