GIVING by L. D. Santee

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 20, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 21

GIVING

By L. D. Santee

BY ELD. L. D. SANTEE.

There is an old Spanish proverb, that, “he who gives quickly gives twice,” and this is a fact to which I wish to call the attention of our people. Now, I believe that we, as a denomination, are as liberal as any religious body, and perhaps more so; but we are in danger of letting our intentions of ultimate generosity keep us from present liberality. Perhaps we reason like this: “At present I can give but little, for my means are limited; and instead of giving now, I will put all my means into my business, and try to get something worth giving.” So new machines are purchased, and new debts contracted, with a view to generosity by-and-by. One improvement calls for another. The new reaper demands an improved rake; the new rake demands a third horse, and with all this machinery a hired hand is needed. Then the house is too small for the increased family, and so an addition must be attached; and so, hard pressed with accumulated expenses, we are further than ever from giving. As a result, enterprises for the spread of present truth are crippled, or struggle under a burden of debt, because these small supports are withheld,

The great rivers, flowing down to the sea, are sustained by small fountains. Suppose that these fountains should say, “My stream is not worth giving; I'll hoard my waters until I have enough worth while.” And while the fountains accumulate their reservoirs of water, the stream of the river is falling; for its supplies have ceased, and its current has been sent down to help fill the mighty ocean. The hot August sun drinks up the pools, and the fish die. The grass is withered and dead on its banks. Now the fountains are ready to send down their accumulated treasures. Great floods come pouring down from the hills, filling the river’s banks; but the grass is dead, and no streams can revive it; the fishes have perished, and no amount of water can give them life. The harm has all been done by withholding the small supplies.

Some seem to think that by a liberal bequest they can cancel a whole lifetime of avariciousness and greed; but small praise would attach to giving money or property, when the owner could not possibly keep it longer. Have the pleasure of disposing of your own gifts. One quaint writer, considering the uncertainty of wills being properly carried out, suggests a shorter form as follows: “I hereby bequeath all my estate, both real and personal, to the honored attorneys of my beloved children.” While you are a steward over means, use them wisely and judiciously. By promptly giving to the Lord his share, prove yourself a faithful steward, and by-and-by your stewardship will be transferred from earthly to heavenly treasures.