Life Incidents

SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE

In the early stage of the cause, our people had no system upon which to act in the support of ministers. Those who were disposed to give anything, gave what they chose. For a time our ministers were quite well sustained, by a few liberal souls, while the majority excused themselves from doing anything. Ere long, it became evident that these liberal ones were becoming weary of this inequality, and they began to withhold their support. Hence, in the winter of 1858 - 9, some of our most efficient laborers were contemplating leaving the gospel-field to labor with their hands for the support of their families. LIFIN 300.4

In this state of things, feeling that something must be done, I finally prepared an address on the subject of Systematic benevolence, for the church in Battle Creek. This address was adopted, and published in the Review of Feb. 3, 1859, as an appeal from that church to the churches and brethren in Michigan. This system is based on 1 Corinthians 16:2: “Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come,” and, as now matured, suggests to all believers who are enjoying common prosperity, 1. That they give at the rate of two cents each week upon every one hundred dollars worth of property which they possess. 2. That they give a personal donation, each week, of from one to twenty-five cents, or more, according to their ability. The object of this second suggestion is to embrace those who have ability to earn, but have little or no property. The necessity and equality of the system are plead before all; yet all are left to assess their own property, and give, in the love and fear of God, according to their prosperity. Widows, the aged, and the infirm, who are in straitened circumstances, are excused. It is not a system of compulsion, but, as carried out among us, is Systematic Benevolence. While all are entreated to act their part in this work, with feelings of cheerful benevolence, none are compelled. LIFIN 301.1

For a time this system received considerable opposition; but when fully explained, it was seen to be a perfect system of equality. The poor who had but a very few hundred dollars, were called upon by this system for so trifling a sum that they were the last to object to it; and the wealthy were certainly able to pay the small percentage from their abundance. This system is generally adopted by our people everywhere, and affords a liberal support to our ministers, leaving them free to devote themselves entirely to the work of the ministry. LIFIN 301.2