p. 7 | The Two Mites

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1872

The Two Mites.

As the simple story of the “two mites” has come down to us through the ages, how many disciples has it cheered and encouraged!

When the poor widow passed in behind the rich and great, whose offerings resounded in her ears, no doubt she felt ashamed of her paltry gift, and perhaps hurried out of sight, as unworthy to stand among the rich and generous throng who crowded about the treasury.

As she disappeared from the crowd on her way to her obscure home, she knew not, and probably never discovered to the end of her life that she had been pronounced by the great Judge of all the earth the most bountiful giver of the day. She little imagined that she acquired a sacred fame that would accompany the gospel wherever it should be preached in all time, and make her an object of interest throughout eternity.

She may have mourned her meager gift, as she heard of the honored women who were able to give of their substance for our Lord’s support, yet her two mites have possibly done more to stimulate the spirit of almsgiving in the church, than any sum of money ever bestowed.

How it would have brightened her home of poverty had she known that her Lord had considered her gift of sufficient importance to call his disciples about him, and point her out as a munificent giver.

The poor disciple is apt to forget that her act of generosity is as much seen and appreciated by the Lord to-day, as in that far-off time when he sat “over against the treasury.” As he looks from Heaven upon the contributions in the churches, no doubt he often fondly says, “This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Let the poor disciple feel his heart warmed by the smiles of his Lord, and know that his humble offering, if it does not bring him world-wide fame, is doing a work for Christ, the influence of which shall never cease.—Sel.