Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 176, 1907

Shall We Take Up Collections on the Sabbath?

1907

Previously unpublished.

Shall We Take Up Collections on the Sabbath? 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 1

The question has been brought before me, Shall we take up collections on the Sabbath? The occurrence which brought up this question was that of taking up a collection to purchase an organ for the church. I replied that I would not advise this being done. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 2

When collections are taken on the Sabbath for foreign missionary work, it is that the gospel may be given to those who are in darkness. This is genuine missionary work, and often these collections could not be taken up so fully at any other time. To gather these offerings could not be called transgression of the Sabbath. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 3

But if this is to open that way for the taking up of contributions for such purposes as the buying of instruments of music, then I would advise that it be discontinued. Instruction was given me that collections taken on the Sabbath for such purposes sometimes left on minds impressions that counteracted the good they might otherwise receive. For this reason I say it is better that the music be defective than that one soul be tempted on this point. Let our people avoid the passing of the contribution boxes, even if it become a much more difficult matter than it now is to raise money for foreign missionary work. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 4

It would be well if our brethren and sisters would consider the advisability of laying by during the week their offerings for foreign missionary work. As they call to mind the blessings and mercies that God is affording them, let them put a thank offering in an envelope. These envelopes could be presented on the Sabbath, when it could be stated for what purpose they are intended. If perplexed to know how the offering should be applied, they can leave it to the judgment of the church officers, and these officers in turn should state just how every dollar has been applied. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 5

The sacredness of the Sabbath could be in no way violated by such gifts, and the results would be for good. There would be no occasion for distrust. The Lord would be honored, and the blessings to giver and receiver would be increased. The possession of a willing heart would make the giving a joy to the receiver, and the gift would bring to the receiver the assurance that the Lord was mindful of his necessities. My brethren and sisters, try this method. Let there be no collections taken on the Sabbath, but let praise and thank offerings be made. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 6

The time of our Sabbath service should be a season of praise and thanksgiving to God, and it can be made a time of blessing to all who assemble. If short sermons were preached, and time given for all to bear testimony, the people would could away refreshed and blessed. No harm would be done if, in order to give time for all to speak, the meeting [were to] be continued for two or three hours; [then] the time spent in physical fasting would be a season of spiritual feasting to all who appropriated the blessings of the hour. Many would find relief as they acknowledged the goodness and mercy of God. Their witness to the mercy and love of God would help and bless other souls. These are thank offerings the Lord delights to receive. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 7

We are much nearer the end of earth’s history than many suppose. Said my Instructor, “The time has come when we need to devote much time to prayer and testimony meetings. After the discourse, time should be given for all who desire to speak. The Lord would have His people make the Sabbath a day of special seeking after Him.” Shall we not try this? Let this work be entered into in our large churches in such cities as Los Angeles. Let us hold meetings in which church members can have opportunity to give expression to the feelings of the soul. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 8

Christ is watching with intense interest His church in the earth. He would be pleased to have His Sabbaths made more devotional, and angels of God will listen as we witness to His goodness and His love. 22LtMs, Ms 176, 1907, par. 9