p. 7 | Now Is the Time by H. W. Cottrell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 22, 1907

Now Is the Time

By H. W. Cottrell

He is a true soldier who stands by his gun in the heat of the battle.

His labor is most appreciated who lifts when the work is most difficult, and the load is heaviest.

Have you and your church contributed your share to the $150,000 fund?

We are not our own. We are bought with a price. Our money is not our own. We are stewards of the Lord's means, and he is thereby testing each one of us as to our fidelity in the use we make of it. The gold and silver, and the cattle of the valleys and upon the many hills, are his; but he permits us to gather from his earthly storehouse, to hoard or to spend, as we will; but as stewards over his means, and as representatives of his work on earth, we shall be required by the Lord to render an impartial account of our stewardship.

There has never been a time when some department of our Father's cause did not need financial help, but just now it is in special need. There is a call for men and women and children who will lift where the work for the hour needs them most. And the raising of the $150,000 is the work for the hour. Let us at once finish it, and advance to other duties.

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." True, it may not be more pleasing, but it is "more blessed."

Each person should purpose in his heart to give "as God hath prospered him." The first step is "a willing mind." Then the Lord will accept the gift "according to that a man hath." This is Jehovah's plan for securing from his people freewill offerings. Some will therefore give thousands, others hundreds, and the remaining multitudes among us—thus arising to their privilege—will contribute thousands of lesser amounts, which in the aggregate will make up the $150,000; and no one will have been burdened or financially oppressed.

Let each minister, local elder, deacon, and librarian, not as officers of the churches, but as servants, bring this matter before the people, extending to each an opportunity to develop in his own heart, together with every other grace, the grace of giving, "See that ye abound in this grace also."

"He which soweth bountifully"—according to that he hath—"shall reap also bountifully." Let us not postpone for the future that which can be done to-day.

H. W. COTTRELL.