The Truth about Tithe - 7

CONCLUSIONS

Can you summarize Ellen White's thinking about this potentially conflicting relationship between church leaders and independent ministries?

The reason this can easily be done is because twice Ellen White's helpers prepared such a summary.

The first summary was written in 1899. It is found in a letter written by William C. White, Ellen White's son, after consulting with her. The letter was sent to P. T. Magan at Battle Creek, before he moved the college to Berrien Springs, and later co-founded Madison. It summarized Ellen White's position on the delicate matter of whether independent ministries should ask church members for funds, if church leaders refused to share with them.

"Her views are that we should do now as has been done in the pastlet the men representing the different enterprises meet with the members of the General Conference Committee, and prayerfully consider plans and ways and means for building up all branches of the work, then agree upon such plans for presenting the work as will show the people that it is a perfect unity, and that there is no rivalry, and raise money in such a way as that the building up of one enterprise will not tear down another.

"Mother makes one important exception to the above plan. She says that whenever the Lord has plainly spoken regarding an important work that is being neglected, as in the case of the work among the southern people, and then the General Conference continues to neglect it, that the workers connected with this missionary enterprise are free to go to the churches anywhere and everywhere and raise means for the prosecution of the work that has been plainly pointed out should be done. So, she says regarding the school work, if the General Conference Committee should refuse to cooperate in an effort to relief the indebtedness of our schools, it would be right for the school men to go into the field, and appeal to churches and individuals. But we have no reason to believe that there will be any necessity for independent action. We believe that the members of the General Conference Committee stand just where Mother has stood for some time, waiting for the school boards to place their work on a sound basis, feeling that this is necessary before we can hope for the blessing of God, without which our efforts will be of no avail. "-W. C. and E.G. White letter to P. T. Magan, dated October 23, 1899 (Spalding-Magan Unpublished Testimonies, 156).

You may wish to read the entire, rather lengthy, letter (Spalding-Magan Unpublished Testimonies, 153-157). Along with her son, Ellen White signed her name to it.

The second summary was prepared after the Edson White and Madison conflict had begun, and after the Watson letter was penned.

By the middle of the first decade of the 20th century, a full-time war was in progress in Battle Creek. Dr. J.H. Kellogg's effort to bring pantheism into the church had failed, and the General Conference and the Review & Herald Publishing Association had moved to the outskirts of Washington, D.C.

But, back in Battle Creek, Kellogg and his associates were marshaling their forces to try, in every possible way, to embarrass the church, discredit Ellen White, and gain legal control of the sanitarium. Because church leaders were opposing humble, sincere independent ministries, God permitted a Hazael to arisein the person of Kellogg and his associates.

Dr. Stewart, one of the physicians at the Sanitarium who was working closely with Kellogg, published a paper in 1906, in which he accused Ellen White of being inconsistent in her statements on the use of the tithe. He declared that, on one hand, she said that she always paid her tithe into the church; but, in the 1905 Watson letter, she said she did not do so.

Ellen White decided that chasing rabbits was not her work just then; she had more important matters to care for. So it was decided that her associates would prepare a reply. Their response was presented in, what was called, the Blue Book. Here is the portion which is pertinent to the subject of this present book: The second and third paragraphs provide a succinct summary of her position on the tithe and independent ministries:

"As to the proper use of the tithe: the outline of a statement upon this subject which was agreed upon was briefly this:

"To give extracts from Sister White's writings as to the tithe and its use; to show that her testimony and her own usual practice was in favor of paying the tithe into the regularly designated treasury, to be used under the counsel of the committees appointed for such purpose.

"To show further from her writings that, when those who have charge of the expenditure of the tithe so far fail in the discharge of their duty that the regularly organized channels for the distribution of the tithe become hindrances to its proper use, then in order to carry out the divine plan that the tithe should be expended in the wisest manner for the furtherance of the work, individuals have the right to pay their tithes direct to needy fields; but that this involves a considerable degree of personal responsibility, which must be assumed by those who decide to follow this plan.

"It was thought that this matter could be handled in a way to show that the departure from the regular plan was authorized only when the regular plan failed to be carried out by those in positions of responsibility."-Document File 213, 1907 [emphasis ours].

Because Document File 213 is dynamite, some have tried to question its date and authorship. Therefore we will include additional background information:

As to the date, Dr. Stewarts four letters to WC. White were dated October 22, 1906, and May 8, June 10, and June 24, 1907. WC. White's letter of response to Stewart was dated June 9, 1907. Following this, the preparation of the Blue Book, it was published in October 1907, and a copy was mailed to WC. White on October 27.

The notes, or "memoranda," which includes the above statement about tithe, makes specific reference to this book. These facts should be sufficient to establish the date.

As to the authorship, those notes also contain ten references to W C. White as the one who should answer certain questions. The most significant of these is this one:

"Titheto whom it should be paid:

"Refer this to WC. White. Very important." The above facts should help clarify the authorship of Document File 213 (D.F. 213).

. Can you summarize the history of Ellen White's involvement with the tithe?

In 1868, eight years after the name, "Seventh-day Adventist," had been adopted as the church name, and only five years after the denominational organization had been incorporated, Ellen White began accepting funds direct from church members for the support of ministers. She was 40 years old.

In 1899, in a summary of her views on the matter written by WC. White and co-signed by herself, we are told that independent ministries may go directly to the church members for funds, if church leaders refuse to help them.

In an abundance of statements (many of which are quoted in this book) made in her 70s, she repeatedly encouraged independent ministries to go directly to the church members.

In 1905, in the Watson letter, she told the Colorado Conference president that she commended the laywomen on giving tithe direct to independent workers, and that she had been doing it for years.

In 1907, in Document File 213, her thinking was summarized that, if church leaders did not help the independent ministries, they could go directly to church members and obtain tithe. She was 79 years old at the time, and would live only eight more years.

For 39 years her practice had continued, and broadened, to the point where she was encouraging others to send their tithe directly to workers not employed by the churchwho were doing a work which needed to be done, which the church would not do.

. Should church members ask that changes be made?

Obviously, if church members are going to be judged according to how their funds are ultimately used, they have a right toand ought to demand that a stop be put to the salarying of ungodly ministers, the lowering of standards, the changes in doctrinal belief, and the tightened reins of control in a few hands.

"There is not a class of people in the world who are more willing to sacrifice of their means to advance the cause than are Seventh-day Adventists. If the ministers do not utterly discourage them by their indolence and inefficiency, and by their lack of spirituality, they will generally respond to any appeal that may be made that commends itself to their judgment and consciences." 3 Testimonies, 49.

"The churches must arouse. The members must awake out of sleep and begin to inquire, How is the money which we put into the treasury being spent? The Lord desires that a close search be made. Are all satisfied with the history of the work for the past fifteen years? Where is the evidence of the co-working with God? Where has been heard throughout the churches the prayer for the help of the Holy Spirit? Dissatisfied and disheartened, we turn away from the scene.

"Our churches and institutions must return to where they were before the backsliding commenced, when they began trusting in man and making flesh their arm. Have we not seen enough of human wisdom? Shall we not now seek God in earnestness and simplicity, and serve Him with heart and mind and strength?"-Kress Collection, 120.

The church members need to arouse and demand that church leaders and workers act in accordance with the Bible-Spirit of Prophecy pattern.

"I call upon God's people to open their eyes. When you sanction or carry out the decisions of men who, as you know, are not in harmony with truth and righteousness, you weaken your own faith and lose your relish for communion with God." Testimonies to Ministers, 91.

. What is our individual duty to be at this time?

Each believer, whoever he may be or whatever his work, must remain true to the principles given in God's Inspired Writings. Only then can the work go forward as it ought.

According to the following statements, each one of us has a solemn RESPONSIBILITY to seek God for guidance as to where we are to place our means.

"Every man is to stand in his lot and place, thinking, speaking, and acting in harmony with the Spirit of God. Then, and not till then, will the work be a complete, symmetrical whole." -6 Testimonies, 293.

"The Lord has made us individually His stewards. We each hold a solemn responsibility to invest our means ourselves. God does not lay upon you the burden of asking the conference, or any counsel of men, whether you shall use your means as you see fit to advance the work of God. "-Special Testimony to Battle Creek, 41-42.

"Do not depend on any erring man to define your duty. It is your privilege to say, 'I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee'. .

"But when one man allows another to step in between him and the duty that God has pointed out to him, giving to man his confidence and accepting him as guide, then he steps from the true platform to a false and dangerous one." -9 Testimonies, 279-280.

"Do we individually realize our true position, that as God's hired servants we are not to bargain away our stewardship? We have an individual accountability before the heavenly universe, to administer the trust committed us of God. Our own hearts are to be stirred. Our hands are to have something to impart of the income that God entrusts to us." -Testimonies to Ministers, 361-362.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." -Romans 8:14.

"God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His dealings with human beings He recognizes the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence, and to impress the need of personal guidance. His gifts are committed to men as individuals. Every man has been made a steward of sacred trusts; each is to discharge his trust according to the direction of the Giver; and by each an account of his stewardship must be rendered to God. .

"We are responsible to invest this means ourselves. Our own hearts are to be sanctified; our hands are to have something to impart, as occasion demands, of the income that God intrusts to us . .

"No greater dishonor can be shown to God than for one man to bring another man's talents under his absolute control . . In shifting the responsibility of his stewardship upon other men, and depending on their wisdom, he is placing man where God should be. Those who are seeking to bring about this shifting of responsibility are blinded as to the result of their action, but God has plainly set it before us . .

"One of the very highest applications of these principles is found in the recognition of man's right to himself, to the control of his own mind, to the stewardship of his talents, the right to receive and to impart the fruit of his own labor. .

"Every power lent us by God, whether physical, mental or spiritual, is to be sacredly cherished to do the work assigned us for our fellow-men who are perishing in their ignorance. Every man is to stand at his post of duty untrammeled, each serving the Lord in humility, each responsible for his own work."-7 Testimonies, 176-180.

"Our talents, our means, our knowledge, are not merely for our own benefit; they are to be used for the salvation of souls, to elevate man from his life of sin and bring him, through Christ, to the infinite God."-4 Testimonies, 80.

"Oh, must Christ, the Majesty of Heaven, the King of glory, bear the heavy cross, wear the thorny crown, and drink the bitter cup, while we recline at ease, glorifying ourselves and forgetting the souls He died to redeem by His precious blood? No; let us give while we have the power. Let us do while we have the strength. Let us work while it is day. Let us devote our time and means to the service of God, that we may have His approbation and receive His reward."-4 Testimonies, 83.

. In other words, do we each, individually, have a responsibility to prayerfully and individually decide where our means are to go in the cause of God?

God's Word is clear in this matter. We have a responsibilityan individual responsibility.

"Some men or councils may say, That is just what we wish you to do [give your money to us]. The Conference Committee will take your capital, and will appropriate it for this very object. But the Lord has made us individually His stewards. We each hold a solemn responsibility to invest this means ourselves.

"A portion of it is right to place in the treasury to advance the general interests of the work, but the steward of means will not be guiltless before God, unless so far as he is able to do this, he shall use the means as circumstances shall reveal the necessity. We should be ready to help the suffering and to set in operation plans to advance the truth in various ways. It is not the province of the Conference or any other organization to relieve us of this stewardship. If you lack wisdom, go to God; ask Him for yourself, and then work with an eye single to His glory.

"By exercising your judgment, by giving where you see there is need in any line of the work, you are putting out your money to the exchangers. If you see in any locality that the truth is gaining a foothold, and there is no place of worship, then do something to meet the necessity. By your own course of action encourage others to act.

"While it is not your own property that you are handling, yet you are made responsible for its wise investment, for its use or abuse. God does not lay upon you the burden of asking the Conference or any council of men whether you shall use your means as you see fit to advance the work of God in destitute towns and cities, and impoverished localities. If the right plan had been followed, so much means would not have been used in some localities [Battle Creek, Loma Linda, etc.] and so little in other places where the banner of truth has not been raised. We are not to merge our individuality of judgment into any institution in our world. We are to look to God for wisdom, as did Daniel. .

"As God's hired servants, we are not to bargain away our stewardship; but that before the heavenly universe we are to administer the truth committed to us by God. Our own hearts are to be sanctified, our hands are to have something to impart as occasion demands, of the income that God entrusts to us. "-Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, Series A, 185 (Manuscript Release, 1200).

The following four quotations, also dealing with our personal responsibility for our means, wherever it is placed, were quoted earlier in this book.

"God calls for a revival and a reformation. The 'regular lines' have not done the work which God desires to see accomplished. Let revival and reformation make constant changes. . Let every yoke be broken. Let men awaken to the realization that they have an individual responsibility.

"The present showing is sufficient to prove to all who have the true missionary spirit that the 'regular lines' may prove a failure and a snare. God is helping His people, the circle of kings who dared to take such great responsibilities should never again exercise their un sanctified power in the so-called 'regular lines.' Too much power has been invested in unrevived, unreformed human agencies. .

"God grant that the voices which have been so quickly raised to say that all the money invested in the work must go through the appointed channel at Battle Creek, shall not be heard. The people to whom God has given His means are amenable to Him alone. It is their privilege to give direct aid and assistance to missions. "-Letter to A.G. Daniells, June 28, 1901 (Spalding-Magan Unpublished Testimonies, 175-177).

"God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His dealings with human beings He recognizes the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence, and to impress the need of personal guidance. His gifts are committed to men as individuals. Every man has been made a steward of sacred trusts; each is to discharge his trust according to the direction of the Giver; and by each an account of his stewardship must be rendered to God. "-7 Testimonies, 1 76

"The Lord has made us individually His stewards. We each hold a solemn responsibility to invest our means ourselves. God does not lay upon you the burden of asking the conference, or any counsel of men, whether you shall use your means as you see fit to advance the work of God. "--Special Testimony to Battle Creek, 41-42.

. What special principles should be kept in mind, when we seek to know where to send these special funds?

Here are several of them:

"God blesses the work of men's hands. They are to act their part as faithful stewards by returning to the Lord His portion. They are to devote their means to His service, that His vineyard may not remain a barren waste.

"They are to study what course the Lord would pursue were He in their place. They are to take all difficult matters to the Lord in prayer.

"They are not to use all the means at their command in supplying with an over abundance of facilities the portion of the vineyard in which they are placed. They are to unselfishly impart that which they have to the Lord's worker in hard places. . Unwise generalship is an offense to God, because it involves many others in difficulties.

"The Lord proves and tests every man, to see whether he will deal wisely with the Master's goods. . He has given them His means for wise consideration of all doing His service and wise distribution. His workmen pray to Him for facilities with which to work, while those to whom He has given His means, the very means to answer these prayers, neglect His work, allowing His workers to lose their time and wear out their strength in working against disadvantages which need not be.

"A steward identifies himself with his master. His master's interests become his. He has accepted the responsibilities of a steward and he must act in the master's stead doing as the master would do it if he were presiding over his own goods. "-Manuscript, July 10, 1900 (Kress Collection, 151152, 154).

"Let it never be forgotten that true Christianity comes through the engraving of Bible principles upon the heart and character. This must be an individual work, visibly expressed. Then true missionary work will be done. The Lord's means will be carefully invested." -Manuscript, June 18, 1900 (Kress Collection, 122).

The following clear statement is from one of Ellen White's last books:

"God's chosen messengers, who are engaged in aggressive labor, should never be compelled to go a warfare at their own charges, unaided by the sympathetic and hearty support of their brethren. It is the part of church members to deal liberally with those who lay aside their secular employment that they may give themselves to the ministry. When God's ministers are encouraged, His cause is greatly advanced. But when, through the selfishness of men, their rightful support is withheld, their hands are weakened, and often their usefulness is seriously crippled.

"The displeasure of God is kindled against those who claim to be His followers, yet allow consecrated workers to suffer for the necessities of life while engaged in active ministry. These selfish ones will be called to render an account, not only for the misuse of their Lord's money, but for the depression and heartache which their course has brought upon His faithful servants. Those who are called to the work of the ministry, and at the call of duty give up all to engage in God's service, should receive for their self-sacrificing efforts wages sufficient to support themselves and their families.

"In the various departments of secular labor, mental and physical, faithful workmen can earn good wages. Is not the work of disseminating truth, and leading souls to Christ, of more importance than any ordinary business? And are not those who faithfully engage in this work justly entitled to ample remuneration? By our estimate of the relative value of labor for moral and for physical good, we show our appreciation of the heavenly in contrast with the earthly.

"That there may be funds in the treasury for the support of the ministry, and to meet the calls for assistance in missionary enterprises, it is necessary that the people of God give cheerfully and liberally."-Acts of the Apostles, 340-341.

. Are there other reasons why it is not good for all the funds to be channeled through one organization?

When all funds are routed through a single line of authority, no workers dare protest financial mismanagement, doctrinal error, or moral lapse. None dare protest, discuss problems, or ask that changes be made. The reason is simple: Anyone who protests may, and probably will, be fired. While the workers (who best know what is taking place in the organization) are muzzled, the members are either ignorant or do not know how to begin solving problems. So they either give up trying or leave. Either way, the integrity of the organization is not helped.

A single chain of financial control results in control of protests, but also of projects. There is less incentive for the workers to plead with God for guidance as to their duties. The workers are less likely to do original thinking, creatively devise new, better ways to carry forward the work. Because one's salary is assured, as long as no static is given to leadership and laxity, mediocrity becomes likely among the workers. New ideas are not saleable to conference committees. Gradually it is discovered that fawning flattery of the higher-ups is the best avenue to job security and advancement. But those engaged in this tend to drift in their leisure hours toward immorality.

Another problem is that centralized control renders it easier for wrongdoing to be covered over. If the problem is serious enough, just transfer the worker.

In the 1980s:

. A pastor in Illinois had stolen church funds, so he was quickly moved out of state. He did it again at each of his next two moves.

. A conference ministerial department director in Mississippi was about to be transferred to another conference, after he was caught with a teenage church member. It was only because someone called the conference office and warned them that it would be exposed publicly, that he was not fired.

. A high-ranking Texas Conference leader was caught in the back seat with a teenage girl. So he was shipped to California and, at the next constituency meeting, slipped into the conference presidency. Phone calls from other conference offices resulted in his extending calls to pastors caught in similar situations elsewhere. Hurried transfers were needed, and he was glad to oblige.

. A young pastor in Ohio heard about a conference minister who, after being caught in immorality, was merely moved on. When he asked an older pastor about it, he was told, "Don't worry about it; it happens all the time." He then asked for specifics, and was told in a casual tone, "Don't worry about it; it happens all the time."

When centralized funding is in vogue, the church tends to run on blackmail. Worldlings and adulterers cannot be fired (unless the police nab them or they have not been in the ministry long enough to learn much of what is going on), because they might tell what others are doing. So transfers are made. Rome never fires adulterers either.

Every new religious movement gradually organizes itself into a denomination. But then strong, centralized controls are eventually strengthened, and everything begins to decay. It is the way of the world. However, the way of the church ought to be different.

How may we identify the existence of such a situation in a given denomination, such as our own? that is, how far has it gone? How deep is the increasing apostasy?

Simple enough. Just determine to what extent the Inspired principles the organization was founded on are being ignored, violated, or opposed. Who is adhering most closely to God's Word? Who is not?

How advanced is the growing apostasy? Just look around: How open and bold has the rejection of those principles become? To what degree are they boldly proclaimed in the pulpits, the colleges, and the church paper?

Add to that these questions: How lax have the leaders and members become? How low have the earlier standards fallen? How strong is the craze for entertainment for its own sake?

To what extent are the sacred writings quietly being ignored? Even worse, to what extent are they openly set aside and rejected?

It is not difficult to identify the problem and where it is most severe. It is not difficult to know where to pay one's tithe. It is not difficult to know what messages of reproof should be given to the church, what warnings should be given to the world.

Another question: How many are left who are still giving those reproofs and warnings?

 There are answers in God's Inspired Writings: the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy.

 God says, You shall know them by their fruits: How far have they veered from Scripture. What are they doing? What are they saying? Where are they headed?

But what about independent ministries? Just because it is one,does not make it safe, reliable. worthwhile, or pure. There are charlatans, false teachers, and con men in the independent ministries also, as there are in the denomination.

Be on guard. Pray. Talk to God about it; He alone is a safe guide. What is their message? What are their personal lives like? How do they treat their workers? How do they handle finances? Do they do that which wastes money more than it accomplishes anything?

Interestingly enough, the truth about a given independent ministry becomes much clearer, much soonerthan the facts about a given pastor or worker in the denomination. The independent ministry is more exposed to the publiclight. Their leaders cannot be transferred elsewhere. Once they are exposed, they are more likely to disappear.

. What types of true "ministers" are there?

One type holds evangelistic meetings, and concentrates on that. Another pastors a local church, carries on weekly Bible studies, holds an occasional public effort, and trains his members in right doctrine and practice.

A third focuses on defending our Bible-Spirit of Prophecy teachings against the forces of incoming compromise and apostasy. For some reason, many ministers do not openly oppose it, but a few do.

The fourth teaches the Bible full-time, to the youth.

The fifth heals the sick while leading them to Christ and into the faith. Because he does this on a missionary basis, he cannot provide for his own support.

. Is there not a danger if everyone begins supporting independent workers and ministries?

Prior to the National Sunday Law, there will always be two channelsthe organizational "regular lines" and the route to the independent ministries.

Most folk will always support the regular lines; because they do not wish to pray and think about the matter, it is easier to just drop it in a plate. The majority do not realize what is taking place within the regular lines.

Think not that very much tithe is going to independent ministries. According to an evaluation made in 1992 by an Andrews University scholar, $400,000,000 in tithe is paid in the denomination each year. In contrast, that scholar noted, one of the largest of the independent ministries receives an extremely tiny amount (see An Appeal to the General Conference, by Mervin Maxwell [WM-467-468]).

There will always be independent ministries, because God calls individuals, not committees; and the individuals are frequently called to do things the committees may not likesuch as asking for corrective changes in the organization.

Some of the independents will be fanatics, false prophets, financial inebriates, or immoral. But, fortunately, they will generally be more quickly identified for what they are.

When the regulations, finances, activities, and worker locations are all determined by central agencies, then the result is a great mechanical church. Meetings, preplanned agendas, one name for nominating committees to vote on, special music, progress reports, secret committee meetings, relentless efforts to maintain control of money and people.

"Sin is corrupting in its nature. One man infected with its deadly leprosy may communicate the taint to thousands. Those who occupy responsible positions as guardians of the people are false to their trust if they do not faithfully search out and reprove sin.

"Many dare not condemn iniquity, lest they shall thereby sacrifice position or popularity. And by some it is considered uncharitable to rebuke sin. The servant of God . . is under the most solemn obligation to present the Word of God, Without fear or favor. He must call sin by its right name.

"Those who by their carelessness or indifference permit God's name to be dishonored by His professed people, are numbered With the transgressor,registered in the record of heaven as partakers in their evil deeds .. The love of God will never lead to the belittling of sin."-2 Bible Commentary, 996.

For the lack of such men, the church is gradually dying. I opened to this today while pleading with God for guidance as to how to conclude this book. It was written at the time that Ellen White found it necessary to return to America and confront church leaders who were not doing right.

"There are professedly pious men who screen the sinner by their own transgression. They disregard the commandments of God, choosing the traditions of men, making void the law of God, and promoting apostasy. The excuses they make are feeble and weak and will bring destruction to their own souls and the souls of others . .

"Upon those who have taken upon them the work of shepherds of the flock, will be visited the heaviest judgments , because they have presented to the people fables instead of truth . .

"Church members who have seen the light and been convicted, but who have trusted the salvation of their souls to the minister, will learn in the day of God that no other soul can pay the ransom for their transgression. A terrible cry will be raised, 'I am lost, eternally lost.'

"Men will feel as though they could rend in pieces the ministers who have preached falsehoods and condemned the truth. The pure truth for this time requires a reformation in the life, but they separate themselves from the love of the truth, and of them it can be said, '0 Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself.'" Letter 30, 1900 (4 Bible Commentary, 1157).

. How can I know the most reliable places to send my tithe?

1 - Where is the need the greatest?

2 - Is the minister working full-time? The person who is supported from the tithe should be a full-time worker; that is, a full-time worker, actually working 40 hours a week in the Lord's work. Many denominational pastors spend much of the week in their homes. Why are they there every time you phoned them?

3 - Is he actually accomplishing something worthwhile? What is the fruit?

4 - Is the money being managed properly? Some people are spendthrifts and waste what they receive. Others keep buying, without paying for their earlier purchases.

If he is a medical missionary, is he actually combining the treating of the sick with the giving of the message? Is he bringing people into the truth? Otherwise, why support him? He can make enough to support himself. Does he really need financial help? Is he able to support himself?

If his primary work is pastoring a church, is he also giving Bible studies during the week? Does he train the church members in how to give studies and help him in evangelism?

If he is primarily a traveling speaker, is he merely gathering up tithe as he goes? Is that why he is out there? Does he really have a message? If he sends out a monthly newsletter, is that all he does? Is he also busily engaged in fulltime preaching or writing?

If he travels overseas, what are the results? Just photos to later print back home and a narrative of places visited? What is all that travel money accomplishing?

If he prints materials on glossy paper, possibly in full color, is he doing it to reach the lost or just keep his supporters sending in money to pay for more high-priced printing? The believers do not need expensive paper and full-color pictures. This is a time to terminate our luxuries and bind about our supposed wants.

If he is a writer, does he do it full-time? His output will reveal it. Three or four pages of large print once a month merely requires one afternoon's work. What is he doing the rest of the time?

If he says he is placing high-priced ads in magazines or billboards, what results is he getting? Fifty responses from a $300,000 ad campaign is futile.

Does he always talk about big plans for the future, with nothing ever to show for it?

Is he genuinely humble? Do not support conceited men, even though they may appear to teach the truth!

Does he present false doctrines, time prophecies, peculiar interpretations of Daniel and Revelation which run counter to our historic teachings? Does he insinuate covert opposition to the Spirit of Prophecy, when he is shown his theories do not agree with God's Word?

Just because he does not teach error and his messages appear to be in harmony with the Spirit of Prophecy, does not necessarily make him worthy of support. Doctrinal accuracy is not enough, if other serious flaws exist. Is he a proud, bombastic man? Does he go through money as though it were water?

Does he live simply or does he have a speedboat, a country hideaway built by tithe, which he flies to, or other siphoned-off perks for himself? There are those who are doing very well for themselves.

Does he maintain the highest personal standards in his life?

Does he defend our historic beliefs and the standards of living given to our people? Or is he quite willing to let them be lowered?

Do his messages, whether spoken or written, really contain any food? Or is it just pleasant chaff?

Just because he is a foreign missionary does not guarantee he is producing much fruit. Find out. Yet be aware that men starting out in a difficult place can encounter many difficulties. There may not be a lot of results for a time.

Some men are living off the fat of the land, and they have little to show for it. Yet the very littleness is a testimony against them. By their fruits ye shall know them.

What is their track record? Sometimes it is difficult to know what they are doing, yet their fruit ought to be apparent. Have they, in the past, consistently shown themselves to be solid and do solid work?

Among the most reliable missionaries are, what the Spirit of Prophecy calls, the "silent preachers." You know what message is in the books and papers; and you can know that, whether you distribute those papers and books or have others do so, these silent messengers canwith your prayersreach the people. God has promised, repeatedly promised to do this. It is the literature which will be highly instrumental in finishing the work. Thank God that the Spirit of Prophecy told us these things!

Yes, there can be problems wherever you send your tithe, in denominational channels or elsewhere. We have discussed some of them in this book. Keep thinking, keep praying for guidance. Paying tithe does not require setting aside your brains.

Just because a man says he has a calling from God, does not mean he has. The life and the fruits will tell a lot. Two brief chapters in Early Writings are of interest: "False Shepherds" (pp. 123-125), and "The Messengers" (pp. 61-64). Plead with God for help, and He will guide youbut know this: You must not "withhold" your tithe! You must keep paying it out to the best of your understanding; if you do not do so, you have violated your contract with God.

. Where should I pay my tithe?

No one can tell you where you should pay your tithe. Only the God of heaven can. Does it not belong to Him? Go to Him in prayer and plead for guidance and it will be given you.

As we approach tithe in this way, the very giving of it deepens our Christian experience!

 It is all right for pastors and writers to urge you to pay your tithe, and they can tell you the Scriptural purposes for which it is to go. That is a Scriptural command. But none are to tell you the specific destination or the routing.

You will find such answers in prayer, in God's Word, and in the lives and practices of those who are living by the tithe.

As you pray, you will know what to do.

. What may we expect as we face into the future?

In this book, we have examined Spirit of Prophecy quotations from 1868 to 1912, and they all provide clear, consistent counsel. How very thankful we can be that God has condescended to grant us so much guidance in these last days! We feel sorry for those who separate themselves from those books, and imagine that they have done a smart thing.

As we have been told, we must individually stand in our place, doing our duty. We have work to do, and it will have to be done amid increasing apostasy.

"Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan."-Testimonies to Ministers, 409-410.

"In the very midst of us will arise false teachers, giving heed to seducing spirits whose doctrines are of satanic origin. These teachers will draw away disciples after themselves."-Kress Collection, 5.

Yet, in spite of the increasing compromise, God's faithful ones will also be working. As they study the Inspired Writings, their eyes will be on Jesus, and they will be following His instructions.

"He will call men from the plow and from other occupations to give the last note of warning to perishing souls."-9 Testimonies, 170.

"Most startling messages will be borne by men of God's appointment."-9 Testimonies, 137.

"The Lord will raise up men who will give the people the message for this time."-Testimonies to Ministers, 107.

Think not, from the above quotations, that you can believe every itinerant preacher that comes along. If their words do not agree with the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, bid them adieu.

"Unless those who can help in are aroused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas.

"Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning.

"There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world.

"God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness."-Testimonies to Ministers, 300.

"Under the showers of the latter rain the inventions of man, the human machinery, will at times by swept away, the boundary of man's authority will be as broken reeds, and the Holy Spirit will speak through the living, human agent, with convincing power." -2 Selected Messages, 58-59.

"Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. "-Great Controversy, 606.

Oh, happy we will be to have a part! May we all be faithful to the end!

. Where can I go to find more information on these topics?

The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are your best sources of worthwhile information. A copy of the Unpublished Testimonies (also called the Spalding-Magan Collection) may be obtained from Leaves of Autumn Books, Box 440, Payson, Arizona 85541. (The reason they are referred to as the "unpublished" testimonies is because the original 1915 printing was done in a rather primitive manner. The book was, indeed, published; and has continued to be in print ever since.)

Special Testimonies: Series A and B, are also outstanding. Leaves of Autumn has them. Testimonies to Ministers, is an excellent book. Contact your Adventist Book Center. By the way, it contains major portions of Series A and B.

The Manuscript Release books are well worth your thoughtful reading.

As for a basic grasp of God's wonderful plan for your life, the following books are simply outstanding: Patriarchs and Prophets, Prophets and Kings, Desire of Ages, Great Controversy, Early Writings, Christ's Object Lessons, Steps to Christ, and Mount of Blessing. You can just keep reading them over and over again! Along with right living and helping others, they are the best preparation for the Final Crisis.

"You need not now feel troubled about accepting gifts and free-will offerings; for you will need them. . As you carry on this work in harmony with the Lord's will, you are not to be kept on a constant strain to know how to secure the means you need in order to go forward. The Lord forbids the setting up of walls and bands around workers of experience who are faithfully acting their God-appointed part.

TITHING TOC