On Giving

As mentioned in our last issue, a request has come to us to write on the subject of Giving, which we feel in duty bound to accept, looking earnestly to the Lord to do it acceptably to Him, and effectively to His beloved people who, in the parts mentioned, are especially dear to us. It was in those parts we began our life and labor in the Lord, and sweet beyond expression are the remembrances of those early days, when truth was pouring into our own soul like a flood day by day from the pages of Holy Scripture; then the joy of imparting it to others; the bitter opposition from the modern "scribes and Pharisees," and the corresponding love and fellowship from those whose hearts God opened to let in the truth. The preaching-places were in country school-houses, in farm-houses, under clumps of trees, anywhere; often amid great camps, with horses, wagons, and vehicles of all kinds from miles and miles around. What scenes and seasons of divine grace to look back to when all who partook of them are gathered together around their Saviour in the glory! But, turning to our task, the request says:

What you wrote to–, as to responsibility in giving for the carrying on of the Lord's work, confirms a truth that is being felt by some of our brethren. More than once I have wished that the subject might be taken up at one of our General Meetings in a Bible-reading or a lecture. Now I write to ask that you accept the task, and give us a comprehensive article on the subject in Help and Food. I fear this line of truth has not been sufficiently gone into among the younger believers of our Western, States. Should not the collection each Lord's day be as sacred and as much a part of the worship as the giving of thanks, singing of praise, etc? In some assemblies the collection is not much thought of except when there is a General Meeting, or when one of the Lord's servants is laboring among us. Some make no preparation beforehand, but give what they happen to have with them, and others not at all. This produces laxity in handling collections, and so one feels more like giving individually than with the assembly. I believe right views correcting such practices as to giving would revive various assemblies spiritually. There are many dear young people in our own assembly, and nearly all of them need to be stirred up as to this. I believe that you, knowing as you do, the realities and needs of the path, and of the Lord's work, could perhaps do this task more effectively than one in different circumstances. What we have received of the ministry of Christ to our souls through help and food has been of such value as cannot be measured with silver and gold. May the Lord enable you to keep it up.

Sincerely yours in Christ our Lord,