Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of
Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee." 1 Chronicles 29:14. Again in
his prayer David gave thanks in these words: "O Lord our God, all this store
that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine holy name cometh of
Thine hand, and is all Thine own." Verse 16.
David well understood from whom came all his bounties. Would that
those of this day who rejoice in a Saviour's love could realize that their silver
and gold are the Lord's and should be used to promote His glory, not
grudgingly retained to enrich and gratify themselves. He has an indisputable
right to all that He has lent His creatures. All that they possess is His.
There are high and holy objects that require means, and money thus
invested will yield to the giver more elevated and permanent enjoyment than
if it were expended in personal gratification or selfishly hoarded for greed of
gain. When God calls for our treasure, whatever the amount may be, the
willing response makes the gift a consecrated offering to Him and lays up for
the giver a treasure in heaven that moth cannot corrupt, that fire cannot
consume, nor thieves break in and steal. The investment is safe. The money
is placed in bags that have no holes; it is secure.
Can Christians, who boast of a broader light than had the Hebrews, give
less than they? Can Christians living near the close of time be satisfied with
their offerings when not half so large as were those of the Jews? Their
liberality was to benefit their own nation; the work in these last days extends
to the entire world. The message of truth is to go to all nations, tongues, and
people; its publications, printed in many different languages, are to be
scattered abroad like the leaves of autumn.
Cross Reveals Principle of Sacrifice
It is written: "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh,
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