p. 7 | More Blessed by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 3, 1907

More Blessed

By J. S. Washburn

“I HAVE showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. The world's principle is that it is the most blessed thing in the world to receive, and to keep that which we have. The principles of heaven are the opposite of the principles of the world, for the Ruler of heaven works on exactly the opposite principle from that of the ruler of this world.

It is a wonderful thing that this saying, though not recorded in the Gospels by any of the evangelists, was thought worthy of record by Luke, who received it from the apostle Paul, who followed Jesus. It will be the controlling principle of every one who is a Christian. We receive but to give, and the greatest joy in this world is to give. The greatest blessing comes in giving.

My dear brother, do you know that one reason why your spiritual experience is not clear and bright may be that you do not give as is your privilege? What a blessing would come to many who read this article, if they were to give until it became a real sacrifice! During the week of prayer just past, you may have had your heart drawn out in longing for the blessing of God, and yet it may be that you are closing the channel to God's blessing by not giving what God has given you.

There are many calls. A blessing is in every one for those who give, and not only give, but sacrifice to give. Some one who reads this article could easily give one thousand dollars and more to the $150,000 fund, and it would be a great blessing and joy to him. Others could give, by a little effort, one half that amount; and there are many who read this article who can give one hundred dollars. My brother, my sister, you know whether you can do this. He who gives will in return receive a greater blessing than he would were some one to make him a present of that same amount.

Many who read this article could give fifty dollars, and but few who read would find it difficult to give ten, or at least five. O if every Seventh-day Adventist believed that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive, the mere statement of the need and the opportunity would bring in with one call all that is needed! Will you be among the more blessed?

J. S. WASHBURN.