The Covenant of Sacrifice by C. A. Frederick

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 4, 1909

The Covenant of Sacrifice

By C. A. Frederick

C. A. FREDERICK

“GATHER my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50:5.

We occasionally meet earnest men who bemoan the lack of a full treasury in the house of the Lord. They desire greatly to help the cause advance more rapidly, and in pursuance of that laudable wish put all their money and time into a mining or other enterprise, expecting the Lord to lead them to great wealth, which they will give to the cause, and thus impart a mighty impetus to the proclamation of the third angel’s message. But has the Lord ever done this? Were such expectations as these ever realized?—Not once. Then it must be evident that it is not God’s plan to accomplish the mighty work to be done in this generation in any such way.

The Master is looking for those who, by careful planning and economy, lay aside their gifts daily, weekly, monthly, and with earnest prayers hasten the accumulated treasure on its mission. Thus do our people grow in liberality, and consequently in spirituality. In this way the interest of each one is riveted to each foreign field.

Let us imagine the other idea in operation. Suppose some brother should uncover a storehouse of wealth, which he would promptly put into the cause, with an endless stream behind it to enlarge the work to any proportions needed. When the knowledge of the needs of the field was presented through the REVIEW and other papers, the answer of each of us would naturally be, “O, Brother—will attend to that from the output of his mine.” Our dollars would remain in our pockets, our interest wane, and our prayers cease. Lifting the duty of support of this precious cause from this people would chill the spirituality of the whole denomination, and unfit them for the closing work.

Therefore, brethren, when the calls for help come, let us make a covenant with Christ by sacrifice, and respond as one dealing with him with whom we have to do. This work has been and will be carried on by the gifts which represent a sacrifice on the part of the givers. However small it may be, God loves it, and loves the giver; and in the time of final rewards, now so near, our hearts will be gladdened if we have obeyed the command to lay up our treasures in heaven. We must get ourselves and our money into the message, praying the Master to bless abundantly.

Cortez, Colo.