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SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 23, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 23.

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SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.

By M. E. Cornell

I wish to say through the Review that I have not been silent upon this subject because I was void of interest, or doubted its utility, but because the matter had been (as I thought) sufficiently discussed; and I concluded it would be enough if I reported that I had recommended and introduced it where I traveled. But lest I may appear to be holding back upon so important a subject, I will offer a few remarks. I have watched the workings of the plan and can say with others, "It works well," and to find fault with the wheels of a machine that does good work, is, I should think, neither just nor sensible. "By their fruits ye shall know them." "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
A person would have reason to conclude the plan was right, even from the weakness of the objections urged against it. But the Bible testimony in its favor is very clear. Having occasion of late to prepare to defend it, I was astonished at the abundance and clearness of the scriptures in its favor.
When God would prove his people whether they would walk in his law, he made it plain so it became a test and they were without excuse. And when I see how plain the scriptures are upon the duty of order in giving, I cannot help thinking it will prove a test to God's remnant people.
I will examine the subject in order as follows:— 1. In order to equality donations should be according to a certain rate. 2. To pledge beforehand as in Systematic Benevolence. 3. To appoint one or more to hold and distribute what is collected. 4. Liberality is both for the temporal and spiritual good of the church.
First. It is duty to give according to a certain rate, for the sake of equality.
"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee." Deut. xvi, 17.
"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not; for I mean not that other men be eased and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want; that their abundance may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality." 2 Cor. viii, 12–14.
Second. It is right to pledge beforehand what each will give.
"Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have." 2 Cor. viii, 11. The same idea is found in the following chapter, verse 5. "Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty and not of covetousness." Here we have a clear instance of the Apostle introducing the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and the object stated, namely, that the necessary means might be ready. In 1 Cor. xvi, 1, 2, we learn that the Apostle was in the habit of "giving orders to the churches" where he went, to give in a "systematic" way, as God had prospered them, as though it was a matter of course.
Third. It is proper to appoint a treasurer to hold and distribute.
"And Kore, the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the free-will offerings of God, to distribute the oblation of the Lord and the most holy things." 2 Chron. xxxi, 14.
"For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor." John xiii, 29. See also xii, 6.
Judas was the treasurer appointed to receive the freewill offerings at that time. Afterwards when the disciples were greatly multiplied, the twelve gave direction that seven men be chosen to attend to the distribution of the offerings. Acts vi, 3.
Fourth. Liberality is a means of obtaining temporal as well as spiritual blessings.
"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov. xi, 24, 25.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." Luke vi, 38.
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." 2 Cor. ix, 6, 8.
Because Job freely distributed to the poor, the Lord greatly increased his goods. His promises are sure and he changeth not. We have seen them fulfilled among Sabbath-keepers in a few instances. It is according to the integrity and faith of the individual. Says the Apostle, "I will shew thee my faith by my works." How many are there among the remnant who show by their lack of works that they have no faith? I fear that there are some. I pity such as feel unwilling to invest liberally in so glorious a cause as present truth. My heart has been pained when I have seen some, like the young man in our Saviour's time, turn away sorrowful because they have great possessions. They are now being tested. Many are choosing whom they will serve.
A man went to his rich, covetous neighbor in behalf of a poor widow, and was pleading most earnestly that he should give at least five dollars, if not to cancel his obligations as a Christian, he should do it for the sake of humanity, when the rich man interrupted him with, "Humanity, Who's he?" He had never made the gentleman's acquaintance.
The "Third Angel," Who's he? Systematic Benevolence, What is that? Tent enterprises, missionary fund and tract distribution, What are they? Some appear to be well acquainted with these honorable ones; but it is to be feared that others have never yet sought an introduction. Come, friends, let us introduce you to them, that through them you may make friends that will receive you into everlasting habitations. Luke xvi, 9.
M. E. CORNELL.