Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

been set apart for the service of the sanctuary. In no way, however,
was this the limit of the contributions for religious purposes. The
tabernacle, like the temple later, was built entirely by freewill
offerings, and to provide for necessary repairs and other expenses,
Moses directed that at certain times each person should contribute a
half shekel for "the service of the tabernacle." (See Exodus 30:12-
16). From time to time, people brought sin offerings and thank
offerings to God, and generous provision was made for the poor.
The people were constantly reminded that God was the true
owner of their fields, their flocks, and their herds. He sent them
sunshine and rain for their planting time and harvest, and He made
them managers of His goods.
As the Israelites gathered at the tabernacle, loaded with the
firstfruits of field and orchard and vineyard, they made a public
acknowledgment of God's goodness. When the priest accepted the
gift, the offerer said, "My father was a Syrian, about to perish;" and
he described the stay in Egypt and the affliction from which God
had delivered Israel. "'He has brought us to this place and has given
us this land, "a land flowing with milk and honey;" and now, behold,
I have brought the firstfruits of the land which You, O Lord, have
given me.'" (Deuteronomy 26:5, 9, 10).
The Secret of Prosperity
The wise man Solomon says, "There is one who scatters, yet
increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right,
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