A Rarotongan Brother by A. H. Piper

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

A Rarotongan Brother

By A. H. Piper

TONGA, one of our native brethren, placed in our hands the other day an envelope containing one pound sterling. It was his tithe. This brother has been greatly blessed on account of his faithfulness in the matter of paying an honest tithe. Everything he plants on his land seems to excel that planted by his neighbors.

First it was the flourishing condition of his plantation that drew attention, then it was the largeness of his bunches of bananas, now it is the size of his watermelons that causes the comment of all who see them. Many who are not aware of the truth taught in Mal. 3: 12 and context, say that our brother is a man blessed of God, and so verify the scripture mentioned. We wish that our brethren could see the joy that Tonga evinces when paying his tithe. He tells us that such times are his happiest moments. The simplicity of the religion of this simple man is sublime; and it is because so many of us get above the simplicity of the religion of Jesus Christ that we thereby lose much of the blessing that God intends we should receive. A. H. PIPER.