p. 113 | ECONOMY | AdventAI

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 11, 1880

ECONOMY.

WHAT does the word "economy" mean? Does it mean the mere laying away of money, the mere pinching of our needs and taste that we may have a fund laid by for a possible future—that, after all, we may never see? Does it mean to be stingy, to refuse to give for this good object, or to assist that deserving, but less fortunate neighbor? None of these; true economy is possible to the rich, as it is necessary to the poor. Economy signifies management; the regulation of affairs both domestic and public. It does not mean that the tired wife shall devote each moment of her life to hard work; by doing so she is guilty of the gravest waste. It does not mean that the father shall deny himself the newspaper, which will be rest and nourishment for his weary brain and of value to the whole family. It means that all members of the household shall be provided with every comfort that will help them to enjoy life in a rational manner, and thus become useful to themselves and those around them. But nothing should be wasted; the silly book purchased, the cheap and flimsy, but showy garment bought for mere fashion's sake, the superfluous article had because it was cheap, all are indications of a lack of true economy or thrift. Be careful of what you have; buy what you need, and not what you want; and, above all, live within your annual income; then you will have found that economy, rightly understood, has brought you many comforts—and some luxuries