"AS GOD HATH PROSPERED HIM."
By J. H. W.
Some of the brethren have objections to the plan of systematic benevolence adopted by the Conference and the churches, and are unwilling to subscribe to any amount weekly, referring to the words of Paul quoted above to sustain them. They say they do not know how God will prosper them, and therefore will not promise anything. In this they commit two great errors. First, they pervert the text. The Lord requires a tithe according to what they possess; and until this is given in cheerfulness they cannot expect to enjoy the approbation of God. The Lord is now bringing up the churches and individuals to this test-point, and we are sorry to see any withholding from the Lord that which is his, and thus incur his displeasure. Second, they distrust the promises and providence of God. They do not devise liberal things, and they cannot expect to stand. Satan takes advantage of their lack of interest, and binds their energies, and as time passes on, and they find themselves less able and less disposed to give, they do not realize that withholding tends to poverty. The time is soon coming when "they that possess shall be as though they possessed not." How necessary then that we use this world as not abusing it.
J. H. W.