Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

works of benevolence, and said: "Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in
faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to
us, see that ye abound in this grace also." 2 Corinthians 8:7. Here
benevolence is placed by the side of faith, love, and Christian diligence.
Those who think that they can be good Christians and close their ears and
hearts to the calls of God for their liberalities, are in a fearful deception.
There are those who abound in professions of great love for the truth, and, so
far as words are concerned, have an interest to see the truth advance, but who
do nothing for its advancement. The faith of such is dead, not being made
perfect by works. The Lord never made such a mistake as to convert a soul
and leave it under the power of covetousness.
From the Days of Adam
The tithing system reaches back beyond the days of Moses. Men were
required to offer to God gifts for religious purposes before the definite
system was given to Moses, even as far back as the days of Adam. In
complying with God's requirements, they were to manifest in offerings their
appreciation of His mercies and blessings to them. This was continued
through successive generations, and was carried out by Abraham, who gave
tithes to Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God. The same principle
existed in the days of Job. Jacob, when at Bethel, an exile and penniless
wanderer, lay down at night, solitary and alone, with a rock for his pillow,
and there promised the Lord: "Of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely
give the tenth unto Thee." Genesis 28:22. God does not compel men to give.
All that they give must be voluntary. He will not have His treasury
replenished with unwilling offerings.
The Lord designed to bring man into close relationship with Himself and
into sympathy and love with his fellow men by placing upon him
responsibilities in deeds that would counteract selfishness and strengthen his
love for God and man. The plan of system in benevolence God designed for
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