Support of Gospel Workers by William Covert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1909

Support of Gospel Workers

By William Covert

WILLIAM COVERT

(Concluded)

Some Important Considerations

God designs that those who know the truth for this time shall see that it is given to all the world, and the work is so great that nothing short of whole-hearted, faithful devotion to all its interests will suffice to accomplish it.

The Scriptures teach that man’s offerings to God’s cause should correspond to the light and the truth which shines upon him. Jesus, in talking to his disciples, said, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8. And again, “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” Luke 12:48. Those who have been entrusted with much of the Lord’s glorious truth are required to pass much to others. It is actually true that the more of the blessed truth we give away, the greater will be the amount that we shall retain in our own souls. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Cor. 9:6.

If we allow covetousness to get the advantage of us, and so become narrow and niggardly in our tithes and offerings, we shall most certainly drive courage and joy from our hearts, and therefore become lean and dry in our Christian

hope and experience. But on the other hand, if we cultivate a spirit of hearty, glad service in the payment of tithes and offerings, this will be used by the Spirit of God as a means of opening wide the very windows of heaven for the purpose of pouring out copious showers upon us, until, in our experience, we shall become like a watered garden. In fact, if the Lord’s directions are followed, the heavenly blessings will be poured into the souls of the obedient until there will not be room enough to receive them. And the Lord’s treasury will be provided with funds, and there will be a surplus in every conference, to be sent to the Mission Board.

The reader can no longer say he does not know that God is the great proprietor of all things, and that the tithes and the first-fruits of all proper increase belong to God; for he does know it. The Bible evidence is so plain that the normal mind can not deny it. And he will know from henceforth that if he selfishly uses God’s share, he is living in known violation of some very plain requirements of God. The only consistent thing is for the offender to balance his accounts with the Lord.

Where to Pay the Tithe

The tithe is to be brought into the Lord’s storehouse, so that the proper disposition may be made of the funds. The Lord is concerned about where the tithes are to be paid; for some have concluded that they can put the Lord’s money into such interests and such hands as they themselves may select, and so do not pay it into the regular treasury, where it belongs. This is a very irregular and improper way of doing business, for the Lord has an organized work, and a business management connected with it, which is appointed to receive and disburse the Lord’s funds. It is therefore proper that the whole tithe and the specific offerings should be paid into the regular treasury. When this is done, it can be handled according to the gospel plan of co-operation. The instruction given in Mal. 3:7-10 not only requires all the tithes to be paid, but they are to be brought “into the storehouse,” the place appointed for the reception of these funds. Obedience to this injunction will prevent confusion, and will place the funds in the hands of the organized conference, which is endeavoring to unify the work and distribute the labor in harmony with the world-wide gospel commission.

When to Pay It

There are business principles associated with the work of a Christian conference which must be recognized by all who are entrusted with its interests. Because the workers in the various departments of the conference receive their financial support from the treasury department, there is need of promptness and regularity on the part of all who pay tithes. The plan is to settle with the workers at the close of each month. For this reason the tithes and other money designed for this purpose should be in hand in good time, so that the treasury be not embarrassed for funds. Members on the right hand of the church should hand these funds to the church treasurer, that this officer may forward the same to the conference treasurer, thus preventing delay in the settlement.

The tithes and offerings from farm and garden products should not be held for long periods before they get into the storehouse, whence they are to be disbursed. Neither should wage-earners or persons engaged in business, delay the passing of the Lord’s share to the place where it belongs; for the various workers who receive support from these funds are not situated so that they can wait a long while for their stated allowance. Cheerfulness, promptness, and a hearty liberality should be encouraged by us all in the Lord’s business.

The Adversary Instructs His Forces

Satan, in his extreme opposition to the Lord and the Lord’s cause and people, gives the following advice to the powers of darkness: “Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we shall have them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. We must keep in our ranks all the means of which we can gain control. The more means the followers of Christ devote to his service, the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. . . . Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Present every plausible excuse to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. Crowd every attraction around them, and they will be surely ours. And not only are we sure of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised to lead others to heaven. When any shall attempt to give, put within them a grudging disposition, that it may be sparingly.”—“Early Writings,” page 266, new edition.

The Lord Admonishes His People

In view of the worldly and financial snares which Satan has set, the Lord says to his people: “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36.

And the advice to us is: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Col. 3:1-4.

Chicago, Ill.