CALLS FOR MEANS by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 23, 1879

CALLS FOR MEANS.

By R. F. Cottrell

Covetousness would gladly see an end of calls for means to sustain the cause and carry forward the work in which we are engaged. But that point never will be reached till the work of the everlasting gospel is done. God is proving his people for their good. In this covetous, money-loving age he would have his people learn to “trust in the Lord, and do good;” and he appends the promise, “Verily, thou shalt be fed.” Shall we fear to trust in him? “Fear not little flock,” the kingdom is right before you; “sell that ye have and give alms, provide you bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens.” Instead of sighing and grieving, we should rejoice that God in his mercy is proving us. He wants to do us good; he wants to pour us out a superabundant blessing. And while he is proving us, in order to eradicate covetousness and distrust from our hearts, he calls upon us to prove him. Says he, “Prove me now herewith.” The blessing will be poured out, as soon as we make ourselves ready, by a compliance with the conditions, to receive it.

The church is being brought back to primitive purity and zeal. Before the deliverance and translation of the remnant of God’s people, they must set such an example of unselfish devotion to the cause of truth and the salvation of men, as has not been seen since the days of the apostles.

In those days many sold their property and gave it to the common cause. There was no compulsion in this; it was a free-will offering. This is evident from what Peter said to Ananias: “While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?” No compulsion then; none now. The Lord loves a cheerful giver, and we have the opportunity to prove whether our heart’s affections are on our earthly treasure, or on the cause of God, the salvation of souls, and the kingdom of Heaven.

Our houses of worship, and our several institutions with their buildings and necessary things for carrying forward the work of God, are not to foster pride and vain-glory; but they will bear a testimony to this age of worldliness that there is a people who, believing that the end of all things is at hand, show their faith by their works, using freely their means to sound the warning to mankind, instead of penuriously hoarding them to be consumed in the day of the Lord, with no other use but to prove our want of faith and interest in the closing work of the Lord. Our buildings will be of use but a very little while; but while they do stand and are used in the cause of truth; they will bear a testimony to men that faith without works never can do.

A reckless waste of means is not called for; but a liberal use of this world’s goods to advance the cause and sound the last warning to men, is a reasonable demand upon those who profess the faith which we do. Then let us bring in our tithes and offerings while they can be of use to others and ourselves. R. F. Cottrell.