The Portland daily press., 1884-09-10

else to the ancient custom Of driving the oxen
over the wheat.
2.-What instruction does the Apostle Paul
draw from the law for not muzzling the OK
when he treadeth out the grain?
As the laboring OK Is worthy of his food, st.
Paul says the laborer or Christian minister is
worthy of his hire. 1 Tim. 5:18; 1 Cor Oil.
The fact was drawn out from the illustration
that faithful ministers only are worthy of sup
port.
At this point gentleman rose in the con-
gregation and asked II ministers faithful to
God were always successful in their labors?
The question was referred to the audience and
difference of opinion was manifested. The
leader remarked that a Bible reading on that
point would soon be given, showing that God
holds the church in measure responsible for
the ministers and thatwith its CO. operation and
prayers his faithful efforts must be blessed.
How many and whom should aid in the sup
port OF the ministry?
All who receive benefit from the admins
alton. Gal. 66. Rom. 1925.
The question was raised: "How can poor
widows help in this matter?" The answer was
by receiving aid from those who have means.
e.. does the gospel present any systematic
method of giving?
In Cor 16 it says, Upon the first day of the
week let every one of you lay by him in store,
as God has prospered him." This text shows
that the amount laid by for benevolent pur-
poses should be proportionate to the income.
De- mndI pdrb OF q man 3 income 60OulQ De
laid by for the support of the ministry?
One tenth. Matt. 1928.
The Pharisees were reproved by Christ for
paying tithes on small matters, and neglecting
iudgment,mercy and faith, then he adds these
ought ye to have done and not to leave the
others undone," thus showing that the tithing
system was right.
6. When did the tithing system originate?
In the days OF Abraham. Gen. 14:18-20.
1t was stated that during the Mosaic econo-
my the system as first instituted was varied
somewhat in its practical workings, the princi-
pie, however, remaining the same.
z. In what manner can it be shown that the
tithing system which existed in Abrahams day
exists in the gospel dspensation ?
In the plan of salvation there are two orders
OF priesthood, viz: the Melchisedic and LEVITT
cal. The Melchisedic with its tithing system,
existed in the days Of Abraham. We live nm
der the priesthood Of Christ, who is a priest
after the order of Melchisedic, hence the tith-
ing system as it existed in the days of Abraham
becomes connected with this dispensation.
Heb. Sc.
This question led to considerable discussion
and many side questions, which were finally
reduced to the following answers:
8. How can man rob his God?
By Withholding tithes. NAL 3:8.
8. What has God promised to those who
faithfully pay tithes and offerings?
lie has promised to open the windows of
heaven and pour out blessing that there shall
not be room to receive. Nal. $40.
10. OF what advantage is the tithing system
aside from the blessi ng which goes with il?
1t is a safeguard against covetousness, en-
mobiles character, and furnishes a systematic,
sensible method for supporting the minis
try.
out by the Bible reading; and considerable on
thusissm manifested.
Seventh Day Adventists, as q general thing,
are quite unanimous in the practice of paying
one-tenth of their income for this purpose.
This, however, is not compulsory, hat the
utility of the plan is SO manifest that but few
neglect to comply with its requirements.
Festivals, oyster Suppers, grab-bags, fish
ponds, ring-cakes, contribution boxes and do
nation parties are things unknown in the de-
entious people with "holy horror" Gifts are
often donated to the poor, but the occasion of
giving never turned into pleasurs party.
In the afternoon Elder Robinson addressed
the people on the theme of "Perfecting Christ
ian character" using the words found in
Tim. ii 1921, for a text: Nevertheless the
foundation of God standeth sure, having this
zeal, the Lord knoweth them that are His.
And let every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity. The next verse
brings to view the figure of great house con-
tanning vessels of honor and dishonor; this the
apostle explains in following verses to repre-
sent the world and it's inhabitants. The
speaker said some thought that this scripture
teaches the doctrine OF REORGANIZATION. He
affirmed that the Bible does teach predestina-
ton, namely, that it is decreed that those who
form righteous character will be saved, and
those who neglect to do this will be destroyed.
Illustrations were then drawn from the figure
of the potter and the wheel used in Jer. xviii,
and the fact shown that as the potter discards
clay which contained foreign substances, so
God will not make vessels Of honor of those
who have dross in their moral makeup. Illus
trations of characters answering to vessels of
honor were then given, and the need of careful
watchfulness and prayeriulness shown.
The sermon went to prove that it is not a
profession of religion alone that will open the
gates of Heaven, but rather the possession of a
noble character perfected by persevering per-
sonal effort connected with the almighty power
Of divine aid, and the forgiving grace of a
Saviour's love.
Quite large audience listened to the dis
course.
New arrivals are frequent occurrence, and
the circle of tents continu es to grow denser.
Elder Urish Smith and Mrs. James White
are expected tonight REPORTER.