Chapter 39—Forbidden Money-Raising Methods
Lust of Appetite and Love of Pleasure the Wrong Money-
raising Appeal—We see the churches of our day encouraging feasting,
gluttony, and dissipation, by the suppers, fairs, dances, and festivals
gotten up for the purpose of gathering means into the church treasury.
Here is a method invented by carnal minds to secure means without
sacrificing.
Such an example makes an impression upon the minds of youth.
They notice that lotteries and fairs and games are sanctioned by the
church, and they think there is something fascinating in this way of
obtaining means....
Let us stand clear of all these church corruptions, dissipations, and
festivals, which have a demoralizing influence upon young and old.
We have no right to throw over them the cloak of sanctity because
the means is to be used for church purposes. Such offerings are lame
and diseased and bear the curse of God. They are the price of souls.
The pulpit may defend festivals, dancing, lotteries, fairs, and luxurious
feasts, to obtain means for church purposes, but let us participate in
none of these things; for if we do, God’s displeasure will be upon
us. We do not propose to appeal to the lust of appetite or resort to
carnal amusements as an inducement to Christ’s professed followers
to give of the means which God has entrusted to them. If they do not
give willingly, for the love of Christ, the offering will in no case be
acceptable to God.—
The Review and Herald, November 21, 1878
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The Church Is Desecrated—When money is raised for religious
purposes, to what means do many churches resort? To bazaars, sup-
pers, fancy fairs, even to lotteries and like devices. Often the place
set apart for God’s worship is desecrated by feasting and drinking,
buying, selling, and merrymaking. Respect for the house of God and
reverence for His worship are lessened in the minds of the youth. The
barriers of self-restraint are weakened. Selfishness, appetite, the love
of display, are appealed to, and they strengthen as they are indulged.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:91
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