SELFISHNESS by F. B.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 20, 1862

SELFISHNESS.

By F. B.

THERE are those among Sabbath keepers, who seem to think that, because their brethren are benevolent, they should bestow their charities upon them. They draw largely upon the sympathies of others without even thinking that they are as equally favored with the good things of this life as those from whom they expect help.

Such as draw upon the charities of the benevolent, are very stinted in their free-will offerings, (if free they are,) being too poor to give, but never too rich to receive. They seem not to realize that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." They do not feel the high responsibility that rests upon each steward of their Lord's money, how they give and to whom they give. The word of God enjoins upon every one to give. If any be too poor those that are able, should help such to a mite, that none come before the Lord empty handed. But the requirement is as plain not to give to the rich or to those in equal circumstances to pamper pride or to gratify covetousness, but solely for the glory of God, for the advancement of his precious cause, to help the needy and afflicted.

O that the people of God may overcome selfishness, then can they do unto others as they would have them do unto them. F. B.