Special Testimony to the Oakland and Battle Creek Churches

The Tithe to be Kept Sacred

Those who have used the tithe money to supply the common necessities of the house of God, have taken the money that should go to sustain ministers in doing his work, in preparing the way for Christ's second appearing. Just as surely as you do this work, you misapply the resources which God has told you to retain in his treasure-house, that it may be full, to be used in his service. This work is something of which all who have taken a part in should be ashamed. They have used their influence to withdraw from God's treasury a fund that is consecrated to a sacred purpose. From those who do this, the blessing of the Lord will be removed. PH157 7.1

The tithe money must be kept sacred. There are ministers who receive nothing for their labor; for there is no money to pay them. This I saw would be; for the management is wrong. Let every member of the church deny himself in dress, at the table, in house furniture, in carpets, in many things that are enjoyable, but not a necessity. There are souls to be saved. Can you be called workers together with Christ, can you be wearing his yoke, and yet your indulgence be cutting off the supplies of God's house? I was permitted to hear your faithless bemoaning of “the hard times.” You should deny yourselves in many ways, and be thankful for that which you have. PH157 7.2