Truth and Benevolence

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 22, 1858

Truth and Benevolence.

Good morning brother, I am glad to see you. I want to talk with you a little about the truth.

Well, I am happy to meet you, for this truth greatly rejoices my heart. How different from the religion of the nominal churches.

Yes, truly different, but what had you reference to?

Well, among this people there is no building of costly edifices to worship in, and no salaried priests to pay, which makes a difference with my bill in the course of a year.

Why brother, how much did you give the nominal church?

Oh I helped build the house, my pew rent was five dollars a year, and I gave a little now and then besides.

And how much do you bestow on the cause of truth per year?

I do not like giving to be seen of men, so when brother W. came along I gave him 75 cts. Bro. B. 50 cts., and Bro. H. 50 cts. Brethren have had several meals, and lodged with me a number of times, that is all I think of for the past year.

Do you take the Review?

Oh yes, I take it in place of a paper I used to take, therefore it is no additional expense.

Do you respond to calls for help through the paper?

No. These calls are for such men as Bro. A. who have their thousands. My place is not worth more than five hundred, and I have but one hundred at interest.

And why not dispose of the one hundred to advance the cause of truth?

Oh I am keeping that against time of need.

Well Bro., does not the Lord's cause need it now? Does this truth which you say rejoices your heart serve to loosen or tighten your purse strings?

Should you not give to the cause of truth more than you gave the nominal church, or as much?

Should you try to see how little or much you can give in the course of a year? Should you withhold one dollar because you have not five to give? Just read when you get home, "The Faithfulness of the Lord" in Review No. 22. A FRIEND,