Systematic Benevolence.
By J. B. Frisbie
DEAR BRETHREN: I offer a few thoughts on the subject of Systematic Benevolence. I have felt that something should be done, or some plan should be entered into that the cause of present truth should not be hindered; that each brother and sister might have the opportunity to help forward the work. And as it is more blessed to give than to receive, that each may share in this blessing in helping to bear the burden in sending the truth to a starving world, who are perishing for the saving truth of God's word, remembering that the widow's two mites were counted more than the gifts of the rich which were much, which were of their abundance. If you want to feel much more interested, increase your treasure in heaven. Money in the bank of heaven is far better than wealth on earth and money at interest here. Methodist "class-meetings," which so many profess to love so well, were first instituted to raise a penny a week from each member, dividing churches into classes of twelve each, one of them a leader, to meet every Thursday night at a place appointed to pay in their penny. Finally they began to inquire how their souls prospered, and thus originated the so-called "class-meetings." This money was to pay for building meeting-houses, and to support the ministry. This worked well in the day of it, as most of the Methodists in England were poor. If the churches and scattered brethren and sisters will enter upon the plan already proposed, and be punctual every week, the cause will not lack the necessary means to go ahead. You will soon have the satisfaction of knowing that your little contributions are sending the present truth to new fields of labor, and be able to read the heart-cheering letters from new converts to whom you have assisted in sending the truth, with the hope of seeing such on mount Zion to help sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Some have suggested one or two difficulties. One is, to make the change exactly every week. This may not be necessary. Put down in the little book the amount every First-day, then lay by a little more or less as the case may be. Another difficulty is, they have not the money on hand. Let such write down in the book every week the amount, and when the way opens to get the means lay by the amount as soon as possible. It is a fact easily learned that where there is a will there is a way. Let us all remember that the work is the Lord's, and that we are bought with a price; let us glorify God in our bodies and spirits which are his. Salvation is the object for which we labor, toil and strive. If we miss of this we lose all that is dear to man. Yours in hope of immortality. J. B. FRISBIE.