The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-06-14
there is no reason why we should not,

there is no reason why we should not.
but there are many reasons why We
should.
First: God commands it. ssHe that
hath two coats let him impart to him
that hath none; and he that hath meat
let him do likewise 55 En-.
Blessed is he that considereth the
poor; the Lord will deliver him in
time Of trouble IS
Ihere are many reasons for peoples
giving that are not in accordance with
our commands. Some persons give be-
cause their neighbors do and they do
not want to seem any less liberal than
they, or, they give to get rid Of the
people asking their help, or willingly
encourage some project because s'they
will never feel it, there will be just as
much for their own use if that is the
case. Then what is the Lord receiy-
ing OF this money He has made them
stewards OF? Would you think a man
was working for your interests if he
We're taking care of certain amount
OF property or money belonging to you,
the income from which he annro-
prlated for his own use, but if some
should be left over, for which he had
no use whatever he would give to YOU?
You would not be likely to keep such a
man in your employ very long. I often
wonder if we protect the Lords inter-
ests in much better manner.
A man ought at the beginning of
every year to sit down and make his
plans as to how much he will spend on
benevolences during the coming year.
the same as he does in regard to other
expenditures. When they say 1.-THE
kitchen needs fixing" a certain amount
is laid aside for that; ''we ought to
have some new parlor furniture,'' an
appropriation is made for that. Some
where in this list a certain amount
ought to be set aside for the Lords use.
and he ought to feel it business obi
gatlon-a note to be matured and paid
within certain time. But suppose,
you say, something happens that his
income is not as large as he expected,
what is he to do? Economic. Where?
In your giving. What good friends
people are to you, if when you are in
need they can help you only when it
does not take one atom from their per-
sonal comfort! But as soon as they
must needs sacrifice a few little desires
to aid you-can't do it, impossible!
What is the reason that the Home
Mission society is $50, 900 in debt to-day
and the American Board $4,000?
''Hard times" you say; 'people must
economize. Yes, but how do people
economize? By not giving so much as
usual. That is the question. If peo-
pie would only lessen their giving in
proportion as they do their other ex-
penditures our societies would not be
as crippled in their work as they are
to-day. We don't feel as true christ
ians should, that we are co-workers
with God, that we are in partnership
together, working for His interests as
well as our own; that our money is
loaned by Him for the purpose of en-
larging His kingdom here on earth;
that we are His stewards and no mat
ter what happens something belongs
to Him.
Why don't we feel Shout it as a mem
Der of a savings loan association does
towards his company? I have in mind
a man who belongs to one, who receives
salary which supports his family only
comfortably. He pays to the company
$500 per month for seven years, MAX
ing 1904 in all. At the end of that
time he receives $1,000. This man
feels each month when he receives his
sarlary that $500 of it belongs to the
association, and regardless of his wants
he sacrifices his desires of the present
for his future needs. We ought to do
the same. We belong to an associa-
tion of which our Savior is recording
secretary and treasurer. We are ex-
pected to pay our dues, which are put
out at interest for us. They come back
at the appointed time, not doubled but
trebled and quadrupled, bringing
greater blessings and richer store OF
treasure than any earthly association
could ever dream Of doing. Then why
do we not give chheerfully, willingly,
gladly? But, you say, that is carrying
the subject too far. Why should we
have such rigid rules about giving and
SO regularly; we are not expected to?
Yes we are. God asks it of us. He
meant what he said through Paul in
| Cor: Upon the first day of the week
let every one of you lay by him in store
according as God hath prospered him,
that there be no gatherings when /
come. That alone ought to be suffi-