p. 138 | What I Have Noticed

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 14, 1874

What I Have Noticed.

A MINISTER of the gospel who had closely watched the operation of giving among our churches, begs leave to note the following as the result:—

1. Churches in which a system of giving to the cause of Christ has been carried out, contribute most liberally to benevolent objects.

2. Such churches make the most sure and rapid progress in supporting themselves.

3. Churches which do little or nothing for others do the least for themselves; and those which do little or nothing for their own pastor’s support, do little or nothing for others, and are not likely to become self-sustaining.

4. Churches which do most for Domestic Missions generally do most for Foreign Missions.

5. Those churches which plead that “the applications are too many” would be pleased not to have any.

6. Churches which plead that “charity begins at home” are the last to begin it anywhere.

7. Churches which are always pleading that “the present is an unfavorable time to make an application” never find a favorable time.

8. Those people who do not give often and cheerfully do not know the blessedness of giving.

9. Those who do not give as the Scriptures teach, cannot expect to receive the blessedness of Scripture promises.

10. One reason why so many give so little, and with fault-finding when they do give, is because they give so seldom.

11. No system of giving has, in its simplicity and efficiency, equaled that of the apostle Paul—“On the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him.”

12. The adoption of that plan would immediately give the church all the money it needs, and enable it to go forward in the work of the Lord.

13. Ministers who do not instruct their people in the duty of giving, and urge it upon them, for fear their own salaries will not be paid, are the most poorly supported, and thus reap what they sow.—Central Presbyterian.