TO MINISTERS WIVES by Mary Stratton

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 19, 1867

TO MINISTERS WIVES.

By Mary Stratton

MY DEAR SISTERS: While traveling from place to place the past winter, I have gained an experience that I hope will do me good. There is one thing in particular that has really touched my heart. When the plan of Systematic Benevolence, is presented, the brethren and sisters say at once, This is just the thing. They are tired of passing round a hat, or may be spending a day or two going round begging to get something to pay the ministers. So the brethren that have property go into this arrangement heartily. But there are some families that are really poor, they stand looking on, wishing they could do something in so good a cause, now we do not ask such ones to give, but let them have the privilege of doing as they please. One comes along and says, I have left off tobacco, you may put my name down. Another says, I can do without tea and put the money into the treasury of the Lord. Now if brethren and sisters whose children are poorly clad and fed can voluntarily give money to support ministers in the field, how ought these ministers to spend it? Can they indulge in the smallest extravagances, or permit their wives or children to do so without incurring God's displeasure? money obtained at the cost of real self-denial ought to be cautiously spent. If it is necessary for the church to right up in all things, it is even more so for the ministers. Can we not, my dear sisters, abridge in some way? Just a little here and a little there would amount to a great deal in a year. By the help of the Lord I am going about the work. I love the cause of God enough to make some sacrifices.

I can be just as good a Christian with a plain dress and bonnet on as with one decorated with costly trimming, and I think I can say, a little better. It looks so to me, and children, especially children of Adventists, look quite as well dressed plainly.

More than that, I consider it my imperative duty to make the very best use of every thing that is put into my hands. Every dollar ought to count a whole dollar with every member of the family. To know that we have economized and thereby saved a few dollars, without detracting from the comfort or happiness of our families, brings a feeling of satisfaction to the heart that no indulgence in superfluities ever can.

May the Lord help us to so spend our money, time, and talents, that when the Lord of the vineyard comes to reckon with us, we may give up our accounts with joy and not with grief.

MARY STRATTON.

Cornville, Me.