p. 60 | Will a Man Rob God? by J. H. W.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 8, 1871

“Will a Man Rob God?”

By J. H. W.

S. B. Treasurers frequently ask me, “What shall I do about brethren who do not pay their pledges? Some are even a year or more behind, and I cannot keep up my returns to the Conference.”

I do not feel that I have any particular responsibility on me in regard to this query. It is a difficult matter with which to deal. It is to be regretted that there are brethren who do not feel the obligation that really rests upon them. Indebtedness in other directions is a matter of thought, and calculations are made accordingly. But many act as if there was no binding force in a promise made to God. They do not realize that their consciences become weak under the influence of violation of pledges, until there is a discount upon their honesty. This is one reason why our action in regard to our S. B. pledges is often an index to our spiritual standing. True, many will pray well, talk well, sing well, and perhaps feel well, while their pledges are utterly neglected; but we cannot help thinking their religious feeling is like that of the man who was so zealous, so demonstrative, that his shouts became really troublesome. Said a minister to his brother in the pulpit, “I will stop him.” He went, and whispered to the noisy man, and no more was heard from him. “How did you stop him?” queried his brother, fearful that he might have injured the good man’s feelings. “I asked him to give a dollar for the missionary fund,” was the answer. This religion that is so high in feeling and so low in doing may answer for popular, worldly purposes, but will scarcely give its possessor power and strength to stand in the time of trouble.

But this does not answer the question; and in truth, it is hard to answer. But we want to raise another query. Why not treat these accounts as business men do in similar cases? Why not make out bills quarterly or half yearly, and send to delinquents? Remind them of their standing and remissness. Perhaps this would correct the evil—perhaps not. It may be worth the trial. In the meantime we would recommend to all who are needlessly in arrears to

study every word of Eccl. 5:4. It informs us just how God regards this matter.

J. H. W.