THE DUTY AND PRIVILEGE OF GIVING.
By S. N. Haskell
NOTHING is more clearly taught in the sacred volume than that it is the duty of every Christian to give of his means for the support of the cause of God. It is not because God's resources are insufficient to carry forward his work without the aid of man; for it is written, "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts," Haggai 2:8; and "every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." "If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the world is mine and the fullness thereof." Ps. 50:10, 12. God's resources are infinite. But the plan of salvation is based upon mutual obligation, and inasmuch as Heaven has made a sacrifice for the human race, the same is required on our part if we would be participants in the blessings offered. Therefore, we read: "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." Ps. 50:5. We have been purchased by the blood of Christ, and therefore are not our own. God has committed to all certain means of usefulness which are called talents, and these God will require with usury. Thus, man is only a steward of that which is in his possession. It is, therefore, by God's blessing that we are able to acquire that which we possess. And if it is used for the advancement of the cause of God in the salvation of mankind, the object for which it is given is accomplished. We cannot therefore, with propriety say that it is "my power and the might of mine hand that hath gotten me this wealth," but we should ever remember the Lord our God; for it is he that giveth power to get wealth. Deut. 8:17, 18. Then, if it is not used for God's glory, we become unfaithful stewards, and thus prove ourselves unworthy of eternal life. "He that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's who shall give you that which is your own?" Luke 16:10-12. Here is one element in the Christian religion that is a test of Christian character, namely, a faithfulness on our part in using that which God has made us stewards over; and that faithfulness consists in devoting a portion of this world's goods, which in the providence of God we may possess, for the advancement of the work of God upon the earth. Angels of God, as well as man, have a part to act in the plan of salvation. And there is more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:6, 7. Speaking of the angels, the apostle says, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:14. The influence of means expended in the cause of Christ is not lost; but the deeds performed are recorded as righteous acts. "As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness [or right acts which resulted from his giving] remaineth forever." 2 Cor. 9:9; Ps. 112:9. The Saviour teaches that it is a transfer of treasures from this world to the world to come. "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:33, 34. Zaccheus, in all probability, was a wealthy man, and it is said of him that he was a sinner. But when he "stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him four-fold," Jesus said, "This day is salvation come to this house." Were the example imitated in these last days by some who are wealthy, a similar result would be experienced. The giving of means is not all there is to the Christian religion, but it is one essential element in it. The young man who came to Christ said he had kept all the commandments from his youth up, and inquired, "What lack I yet?" "Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come follow me," were the words of the Son of God. "But when the young man heard that saying," like many others, "he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions." The Lord does not381teach, by these and other Scriptures, a reckless squandering of our means; but the expression, "Let everything be done decently and in order," will apply to every transaction that has a general bearing in the cause of God. In the primitive church, many "sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men," not promiscuously, but "as every man had need." This was not done without regard to system, but seven men were chosen and set apart for this purpose. The churches in Macedonia, especially the one at Philippi, supported the gospel when it was first preached at Thessalonica. The apostle Paul continued to encourage their liberality, not because he desired a gift, but that fruit might abound to their account, though the Spirit of God describes their financial condition by the expression "deep poverty." When the cause of God requires temporal means for its support, then is the time that men should give. When calls are made to carry the truth into new fields, when opportunities present themselves to relieve the destitute, then is the time we should make investments in these never-failing enterprises. A faithful steward would hold that which is committed to his trust in a condition to meet a ready response from any call of his master. Paul instructs the rich to be "ready to distribute," in a constant preparation to give. Were these to invest in uncertain enterprises, where they could not command what they possess at the time the cause of Christ needs assistance, it would be as much a mark of unfaithfulness as it would be to withhold their means altogether. The cause of Christ has the first claim upon us, and upon that which we possess.