A SUGGESTION TO RURAL CHRISTIANS.
By Editor
"GIVING for God's cause," repeats the earnest Christian farmer; "how shall I give?" Truly, it is a perplexing question with many in the country, a question about which those who receive a definite income in interest or wages, from week to week, or month to month, do not need to perplex themselves. But frequently the farmer receives very little money, and oftentimes that is "spoken for" long before he receives it. Interest and taxes and "necessities" eat up his cash before he gets to local mission funds, support of the poor, or donations to foreign missions, or missionary enterprises. Let us suggest a plan by which all in the country who own land which can be tilled, or who can hire land, or "take it on shares," can obtain means to bestow upon different branches of the cause precious to their hearts. The plan is not new, but we call attention to it again. It is this: Set apart a piece of land and devote it to the Lord. If you feel that it ought to be devoted to a certain branch of his work, well; it is your privilege to so devote it. If you think that you should wait for the harvest before deciding, do that. Do in this respect as you believe God would have you do. In this we are not speaking of the tithe; that is the Lord's, and should go for the support of the ministry and the regular work. We refer to free-will offerings, thank-offerings, etc. Those are for you, personally, to bestow where you will, only so it is devoted to God. It must go to some cause identified with him. We offer these suggestions in the autumn that you may plan to do it in the spring. And then you may wish to sow a crop of winter wheat. Keep in mind, among other things worthy of remembrance, these points:— 1. Devote a certain portion of ground to the Lord, and be as liberal as possible. Do it gladly and bountifully. The Lord loveth a cheerful and bountiful giver. 2 Cor. 9: 6-11. "The liberal soul shall be made fat." Prov. 11: 25. 2. Let it be of your best ground. Make God first. He gives you everything you have. Your first love and duty is to him. Make God's interests first. "Honor the Lord" "with the first-fruits." Prov. 3: 9, 10. 3. Be diligent in its sowing, its cultivation, its harvesting. Make it first; it is for God. Pray over it; ask God's blessing upon it; labor whole-heartedly. So God will prosper you. See above texts. 4. Encourage your children to do the same thing, and by thrift, economy, and diligence, lay up treasure in heaven. 5. And when your crops are raised, take them to market. Ask God to open the way for the best price consistent with justice to the purchaser; and then bestow the money as the Lord guides you, to his glory. O, what precious blessings would come to many of the people of God if they would do this!