D. T. BOURDEAU by D. T. Bourdeau

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

D. T. BOURDEAU

By D. T. Bourdeau

Extremes.

We are all more or less creatures of extremes. In nothing is this more apparent than in our business deal. Unless self in us is wholly crucified, we are liable to rush on in attending to our own selfish interests and wants to the neglect of the sacred obligations and pledges that we owe to God and his cause; and thus it is that many are behind in their dues on Systematic Benevolence, on our periodicals, etc.

One common extreme that we are liable to run into is to manifest especial interest in one branch of the cause to the exclusion of other branches. In order to prosper as individuals, as churches, and as conferences, we should be balanced in our minds with regard to the wants of the cause in all of its branches. The cause is one, and it is sacred in all of its claims upon us. If one branch of it is neglected, thus far it is lame, and must necessarily be retarded in its progress.

The wants of the cause abroad are just as important as the wants of the cause nearer home, and vice versa. This rule works both ways. Therefore those who, when calls are made to advance the cause abroad, will strain every nerve to respond to those calls, and yet will neglect to pay their Systematic Benevolence to meet home wants, etc., make a mistake, to say the least. But better by far run into this extreme than to do nothing at all, as those are often inclined to do who are able to donate largely to the different enterprises in this great work. And frequently some overdo in lifting in foreign enterprises, because they see that something must be done, and those do little or nothing who should do much to prosper in the Lord.

Another extreme is for small and weak churches in poor conferences to build large meeting-houses, or meeting-houses with expensive extras, and then keep all their Systematic Benevolence money out of the conference treasury for years. This course has a withering and discouraging influence. But even in such cases the past can be redeemed by following the advice of experienced brethren, and showing, as far as in us lies, and as soon as possible, a willingness to help advance the cause outside of our own locality. Such a course will often touch the heart-strings of others, and induce them to help us out of trouble.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This is true of churches and conferences as well as of individuals.

It is not sacrilege for those who are behind on Systematic Benevolence, etc., to borrow money to cancel their indebtedness. Indeed, in many instances such a course would be justifiable. Men often do so in their worldly matters; and why not manifest at least as much interest for the Lord as we do for ourselves? To prosper in the Lord we must be willing to do more than this.