Wherein We May Save by E. K. Slade

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

Wherein We May Save

By E. K. Slade

Gospel Finance—No. 18

Wherein We May Save

E. K. SLADE

In this age of intensity and extravagance we are liable to be misled in our estimation of what would be a proper standard in the expenditure of money and of that which may be legitimately required for the comforts and necessities of life. A consistent course is required of Christians in the use of money. There is a principle involved in the use of our means that is just as vital as that relating to tithes and offerings. It is no more important to use our ability to earn than it is to use economically and consistently that which we expend for our own necessities.

The proper practise of economy in the kitchen and about the house is a lesson that needs very much to be learned in many homes. The lavish way in which expensive materials are prepared and disposed of in some kitchens is shocking to those who have been more fortunately trained. Enough is wasted in some families who regret that they are not able to send a boy or a girl to college, to very nearly if not quite pay the tuition. Carelessness and lack of early training in this thing has led to a shameful leakage and loss, for which those who are at fault will be held responsible. Many times it occurs that those who seem always to be in need and never able to give much to advance the work, are guilty of great extravagance and wastefulness in the management of their homes.

Under the heading of this article it will be proper to give some facts and figures regarding a class of expenditures wholly unnecessary and unprofitable to any one. The following list indicates approximately what our country pays each year for some of the unnecessary things:—

Liquor .............. $1,750,000,000 Tobacco ............. 1,000,000,000 Confectionery ....... 200,000,000 Soft drinks ......... 125,000,000 Tea and coffee ...... 100,000,000 Condiments .......... 80,000,000 Patent medicines .... 80,000,000 Jewelry ............. 75,000,000 Drugs ............... 35,000,000 Chewing-gum ........ 20,000,000 Theaters and pleasure resorts .......... 135,000,000 Total ............... $3,600,000,000

There might be added to this list several other items of unnecessary expense, which would no doubt bring the total up to four billion dollars. According to these figures, which may come short of the actual amount spent for such things, the American people spend annually $3,600,000,000 for unnecessary things. This does not include lavish expenditures for food, furniture, and clothing, but it embraces only those harmful and unnecessary articles which are not supposed to be included among those things required for the necessities and comforts of life. Distributing this amount to the whole population of the United States, it would represent a sum of $36 spent by each person in one year for unnecessary and harmful things.

We as a people are not supposed to have any considerable part in spending this $3,600,000,000. Admitting that the above figures are correct, and granting that we have a membership of 65,000 in our churches in the United States, it would appear that we who do not have those expenses to meet, should be $2,340,000 better off financially at the end of each year than any other 65,000 people who spend money in that way. Should we give to the advancement of the cause proportionately as the people of this country give for these unnecessary things, it alone would amount to $2,340,000 annually. Providing we are exempt from these expenditures, we are actually saving that amount of money in this country each year. While it is true that the tithes and offerings, the support of our institutions, and the education of our children impose a large financial burden, it appears that our gifts to the cause do not exceed the amount that we save through eliminating the cost of selfish gratification from our expenses, which the remnant church should certainly do. As we more fully understand the nature and purpose of gospel finance, we shall more fully recognize our responsibility to save as well as to earn.

Mount Vernon, Ohio.