WELL says one, what has economy to do with us now in the closing scenes of time? What has economy to do with godliness? We will show you sir, that economy is necessary, as much to the Christian, as to the man of the world.
First, the Christian wishes to provide for his own house.
Second, he would pay all whom he owes, promptly.
Third, he would have wherewithal to entertain strangers, since many have thus entertained angels unawares.
Fourth, he wishes to have wherewithal to entertain his brethren.
Fifth, he would have wherewithal to assist poor brethren.
Sixth, he would also contribute to support the messengers.
Seventh, he would have wherewithal to pay for his Review and Instructor, and books on present truth.
Eighth, he would consider it a privilege, to help sustain the missionary cause generally.
Ninth, he wants time to attend conferences, and prayer-meetings, and to spend many other hours, in various ways, for the spread of the truth.
Tenth, he is often detained for hours, in answering the queries of inquiring persons, who for various reasons, ask of him questions, which he must take time to answer.
These are the main calls, which he has, though there are many others branching out from these which he is happy to answer affirmatively.
Now in order to do all these things and still be free, he must have some ability; but unless he is careful and economical, he will soon involve himself perhaps, beyond recovery, and thus might disgrace the cause, more than his liberality had helped it forward.
The first step in economy is in disposing of time to the best advantage.
The second step, is the disposal of property to the best advantage.
The third step, is the cash or pay-as-you-go-system.
The forth step, is to know your ability, and capital, and to keep within your bounds; not to stretch business beyond your capital lest you overreach some of your kind friends; and for this you must be humble enough to fill the very niche your own neglect or extravagance or the good providence of God has prepared for you.
The good economist, will patch his old garments, until he can pay for new ones; he will drink cold water, rather than borrow his tea and coffee, or run into debt for them (exigencies such as sickness, excepted); he will not be too proud to work out by the day if his circumstances require it; he will eat such food as he has provided for himself, without hankering for the nice dainties of his wealthier brother: for his common sense is rather sharpened than blunted by contact with truth.
The good economist, is a sensible man; he is a very pleasant man, and he is alike kind to his superiors, and equals and inferiors; his good economy speaks his good sense, and his good sense prompts to economy; he is not stingy nor lavish, but is between the two. You love him, and I love him, and he loves us, truly, evenly, consistently; he is just the man for a friend, for an adviser, or for the social circle. Commend to us the good economist.
Jos. CLARK.