SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.
By C. M. Shepard
I HAVE often felt that it would be a great blessing to some of my poor brethren and sisters, if they would profit by my experience in paying systematic benevolence. Ever since I embraced the third angel’s message (eighteen years ago), I have been most a believer in the tithing system for the support of the cause of God; and when I had a regular income from teaching school, I cheerfully gave to God what I considered to be his. But when this means of support failed, and all that I could earn for my dependent children and myself was with my needle, I felt miserably poor; and that I had nothing to give only as I gave a dollar once or twice a year, when I went to quarterly meeting. This was about as often as we could attend meeting, on account of the distance, and want of means of conveyance. Three or four years ago, the subject of systematic benevolence was taken up by Sr. White, and made more clear to my mind than ever before by some articles in the REVIEW. I was helped to see that even I could pay a tenth of what little I had, and then the Lord would bless the remainder, and make it go as far as the whole would have gone, and even farther. It was clearly proved from the Bible, and joyfully I accepted the light, and commenced immediately to act upon it; and I have found it perfectly easy to do so. I have had more money to use since that time, and have not felt pinching want. Indeed, I have not known want, but have believed, and trusted implicitly in my Father, who will withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly. Now, brethren and sisters, if any of you feel too poor to pay your systematic benevolence, I exhort you to “have faith in God.” Have a living faith (made perfect by works), and you will be blessed in your basket and in your store. Our Father is indeed very rich; and if we are faithful and obedient, he will give us all that is for our good in this life, and in the bright world to come, we shall share his wealth and his glory forever and ever. C. M. SHEPARD.