p. 78 | Systematic Benevolence by John Norton Loughborough

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 3, 1874

Systematic Benevolence.

By John Norton Loughborough

In the last number of the SIGNS, in an article on "Systematic Benevolence," I set before you the Bible plan of sustaining the cause of God. I wish all our people who have identified themselves with the truth, especially here in California, would read that article again carefully. Are not the statements there made reasonable? Are they not scriptural? Can we not, believing that the end of all things is at hand, act fully upon the plan there recommended? Some, perhaps the most of our people in this State, are adopting the plan; can we not all do it? It is a matter which concerns each and every one of us. If we are going to be Bible Christians, why not act upon the scriptural plan of sustaining the cause of God, as well as in other matters?

Since writing that article in the last SIGNS the following, published by the London Tract Society came under my observation. It is so good I copy it.

THE LAW OF GIVING

According to the principles of the word of God.

"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." 1 Cor. 16:2.

Here observe, 1. The things to be done—"Lay by him in store." That is, lay up, in a sacred store, money to promote the cause of Christ—have a purse sacred to this object.

2. The person to do it—Every one of you. It is addressed to Christians. Every believer who has any means, is to lay up as in the Lord's bank; David, his princely offering—the poor widow, her "two mites."

3. Its rule and measure—As God hath prospered him. The Lord is not an "austere master." He will not seek to "gather where He has not strewed," but where He strews He looks for a proportionate return.

4. The best time for doing it—"The first day of the week." It will secure weekly offerings. It will help to make our offerings of principle, and not of mere impulse, "a matter of bounty," and not as extorted, or "grudgingly" conferred. 2 Cor. 9:5-7.

5. The reason assigned for this instruction—"That there be no gatherings when I come." That there be no undue excitement, hurry, and bustle, accompanying your giving; that the giving in no way interfere with the higher and holier exercises.

Reader! How MUCH dost thou give weekly to the cause of God? "God loveth the cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7.—London Tract Society.

In all our companies in this State this plan of systematic giving has been adopted. A Treasurer has been appointed, and most have made their pledges; perhaps all have not. The Scripture says, "Let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him." The Treasurer in each company should give each individual adopting the truth an opportunity to do according to his ability. The offering should not be despised, though small. If all lift at the Gospel wheel according to their ability, when success crowns the efforts that are made to spread the truth, all will feel that they have an interest in the work, and that it is our cause which is moving.

You will see by reading carefully the Missionary Constitution, that it is the duty of the Director in each District to see that each Church "comes up on Systematic Benevolence." There is no compulsion about this, but the Director stirs up the Treasurer to his duty, and sees that he gives each and every Sabbath keeper an opportunity to do in this work.

Again, there are scattered brethren and sisters in each District, who, if the matter was properly laid before them, either in person or by letter from the Director, would esteem it a pleasure to make their pledges weekly on S. B., to be paid quarterly to the Church nearest to them. This is a point our Directors in each District will understand, and look after.

There are those who have moved away from our different churches, either with, or without, letters. It is according to the resolution of one session of our General Conference, that such persons are considered still as members of the Church whose letter they hold, and that they are expected to pay their S. B. to the Church to which they belong, until they formally unite with another Church. Simply moving away from a Church does not destroy our obligations to God. Some, when thus away by themselves, neglect to pay their vows, neglect to lift in the cause of God. They complain of reverses, of hard times. Is there not a cause?. If we "rob God," see Mal. 3, may we not expect blight, blasting, and mildew? Shall we not rather go back, reckon up our unpaid tithes, bring them all in, and see if the Lord will not bless us as he has promised, even "rebuking the devourer, that he shall not destroy our fruit before the time in the field."

I trust there will be a coming up to the work by every individual of our people in this State, not only that there may be no lack of means to push forward the glorious work of truth in every county, but that our own hearts may be like a watered garden whose waters fail not. Let us consecrate ourselves to God with our substance, humbly doing our part, and the Lord will verify his promise, and do on his part, even "pouring out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

J. N. L.