PAY AS YOU GO | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 15, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 42.

“PAY AS YOU GO.”

A MINISTER in Messiah’s Advocate gives the following incident, and counsel which is good, not only for young ministers, but for young Christians:—

On one occasion, while residing in Dansville, we had eaten everything in the house, and there was not a scrap on hand for dinner, neither had I any funds to purchase, and my rule was never to run in debt for food, raiment, or fuel. This rule I have followed during all the years of my ministry, with unalterable determination, and I have never suffered above what I was able to bear. At one time, I remember that I ordered some coal delivered, and went away from home to preach over Sunday, and on returning I went to find the coal dealer, to pay him. He said: “You needn’t pay it now, your credit is good.”

“All right,” said I, “I’ll save my credit and pay my money.” A business man stood by, and hearing what I said, spoke up, “You are right, Mr. Burr, save your credit and pay your money. If all would adopt that motto they would be better off.” I would advise all young ministers to adopt the “pay as you go” policy; and if you have no means, then go without things, and I warrant that if you mean business on that line, the Lord will see that you are cared for. You may see times of distress, but if you wait earnestly on the Lord, He will not fail you. Your faith may be extremely tried, but what of that? In fact, it is a grand thought that the Lord has confidence enough in you to call you into hardships.

It is needless to say that the Lord sent food, through a kind grocer whose heart He touched.