Counsels on Stewardship -- Study Guide

The Spirit of Liberality

It would be a mistake to assume that all the pioneers were in poverty. Many struggled under extreme and adverse circumstances in order to eat and clothe themselves, while at the same time working to support themselves in the cause. CS-SG 51.12

Some who had large estates sold them and gave the money to the cause. Many worked and built up another estate, often turning it over to the church in a will, at death, or before. A number of them had houses and farms that they sold to finance the cause. Cyrenius Smith, of Jackson, Michigan, became a pillar in the infant church and its first deacon. He sold his farm in order to give money for the cause and then moved to Battle Creek, rented a farm, and started over. CS-SG 52.1

Dan Palmer, also of Jackson, was an example in benevolence. It was said of him, “Dan Palmer never spoke of giving: to him all his benefactions were investments.” When he heard of a need in the cause, his response was “I must have an investment in that.” With his house full of worshipers one Sabbath, he stated, “I have a lot over there on Summit Street. I might as well invest it in the cause. Let’s build a meetinghouse on it.” And so they did! CS-SG 52.2

Another example of liberality is Joseph and Prudence Bates. After he retired from the sea with a modest fortune, they used it in the cause, finally selling even their home. Through the years they were finally able to build a modest home in Monterey, Michigan. CS-SG 52.3

In 1866 Joseph Bates made a will that left the property to his wife for the rest of her life. Since she preceded him in death, he lived there until his death. The terms of the will were then carried out. The property was sold and the money was given to the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association of Battle Creek. The last of Joseph Bates’s fortune had finally found its way into the cause he loved so dearly. CS-SG 52.4