x Supplement to the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
a course, and came into the truth with wrong views, not realizing that
it was the Lord’s money they were using, and not feeling the worth of
it. And I saw that these poor souls who have just embraced the third
angel’s message, and have had such an example set before them, will
have much to learn, to deny self, and suffer for Christ’s sake. They will
have to learn to give up their ease, and cease studying their convenience
and comfort, and bear in mind the worth of souls. Those who feel
the “woe” upon them will not be for making great preparations and
fixings outwardly, to travel in ease and comfort. Those who have no
calling have been encouraged into the field. Others have been affected
by these things, and have not felt the need of economy, of denying
themselves, and putting into the treasury of the Lord. They would feel
and say, “There are others who have means enough; they will give for
the paper. I need not do anything. The paper will be supported without
my help.”
It has been no small trial to me to see that some have taken that
portion of my views which related to sacrificing property to sustain the
cause, and make a wrong use of it, and use means extravagantly, while
neglecting to carry out the principles of other portions. On page 31,
read the following:—“I saw that the cause of God had been hindered,
and dishonored by some traveling who had no message from God.
Such will have to give an account to God for every dollar they have
used in traveling where it was not their duty to go; for that money
might have helped on the cause of God.” Page 32.—“I saw that those
who have strength to labor with their hands, and help sustain the cause,
[13]
were as accountable for that strength, as others were for their property.”
I would here call especial attention to the view of this subject given
on pages 45, 46. Here is a short extract:—“The object of the words
of our Saviour [
Luke 12:33
] had not been clearly presented. I saw
that the object of selling was not to give to those who are able to
labor and support themselves, but to spread the truth. It is a sin to
support and indulge in idleness, those who are able to labor. Some
have been zealous to attend all the meetings; not to glorify God, but
for the “loaves and fishes.” Such had much better have been at home
laboring with their hands, “the thing that is good,” to supply the wants
of their families, and to have something to give to sustain the precious
cause.”