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Counsels on Stewardship
that man needs; for it will stir the deepest sympathies of his heart, and
call into exercise the highest capabilities of the mind.
Every good thing of earth was placed here by the bountiful hand
of God as an expression of His love to man. The poor are His, and
the cause of religion is His. The gold and the silver are the Lord’s;
and He could rain them from heaven if He chose. But instead of this
He has made man His steward, entrusting him with means, not to
be hoarded, but to be used in benefiting others. He thus makes man
the medium through which to distribute His blessings on earth. God
planned the system of beneficence, in order that man might become
like his Creator, benevolent and unselfish in character, and finally be a
partaker with Christ of the eternal, glorious reward.
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Meeting Around the Cross
The love expressed on Calvary should be revived, strengthened,
and diffused among our churches. Shall we not do all we can to give
power to the principles which Christ brought to this world? Shall we
not strive to establish and give efficiency to the benevolent enterprises
which are now called for without delay? As you stand before the cross,
and see the Prince of heaven dying for you, can you seal your heart,
saying, “No; I have nothing to give”?
Christ’s believing people are to perpetuate His love. This love
is to draw them together around the cross. It is to divest them of all
selfishness, and bind them to God and to one another.
Meet around the cross of Calvary in self-sacrifice and self-denial.
God will bless you as you do your best. As you approach the throne
of grace, as you find yourself bound to this throne by the golden chain
let down from heaven to earth, to draw men from the pit of sin, your
heart will go out in love for your brethren and sisters who are without
God and without hope in the world.—
Testimonies for the Church
9:253-256
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