Chapter 10—Finance
The work is halting because gospel principles are not obeyed by
those who claim to be following Christ. The loose way in which some
canvassers, both old and young, have performed their work shows that
they have important lessons to learn. Much haphazard work has been
presented before me. Some have trained themselves in deficient habits,
and this deficiency has been brought into the work of God. The tract
and missionary societies have been deeply involved in debt through
the failure of canvassers to meet their indebtedness. Canvassers have
felt that they were ill-treated if required to pay promptly for the books
received from the publishing houses. Yet to require prompt remittal is
the only way to carry on business.
Door Closed and Barred
Matters should be so arranged that canvassers shall have enough to
live on without overdrawing. This door of temptation must be closed
and barred. However honest a canvasser may be, circumstances will
arise in his work which will be to him a sore temptation.
Laziness and indolence are not the fruit borne upon the Christian
tree. No soul can practice prevarication or dishonesty in handling the
Lord’s goods and stand guiltless before God. All who do this are in
action denying Christ. While they profess to keep and teach God’s
law, they fail to maintain its principles.
The Lord’s goods should be handled with faithfulness. The Lord
has entrusted men with life and health and reasoning powers, He has
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given them physical and mental strength to be exercised; and should
not these gifts be faithfully and diligently employed to His name’s
glory? Have our brethren considered that they must give an account for
all the talents placed in their possession? Have they traded wisely with
their Lord’s goods, or have they spent His substance recklessly, and are
they written in heaven as unfaithful servants? Many are spending their
Lord’s money in riotous enjoyment, so called; they are not gaining
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