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write in and explain and pledge a modest amount to begin IF, and
WHEN I find that employment.
You've read of how God's Church in the wilderness under Moses
needed a Tabernacle, and Moses sent out a proclamation for the
people to GIVE of their means to build it. They had their HEARTS
in it. They gave so generously Moses had to send out another
proclamation asking them to STOP contributing--far MORE than enough
had flowed in!
Later, King David saw the need of a House for GOD in
Jerusalem. But because David had been a man of war and shed blood,
God did not allow David to build it, but decreed it should be built
by his son Solomon. Then David assembled all the princes of Israel
and of the tribes, and the captains of the companies of hundreds,
etc., in Jerusalem. Then David revealed the plans for the great
Temple to all the people, and how God had decreed that Solomon was
to build it. In the presence of this vast assembly, David gave
Solomon the plans (like today's blue-prints) for the entire
building, which had been designed by GOD, and given to David.
David told the people he had prepared for this great
tabernacle or Temple with ALL HIS MIGHT (I Chron. 29:2-3)--just as
I myself have for the Tabernacle God needs TODAY. "Moreover,"
continued David, "because I have set my affection to the House of
my God, I have given of mine own proper good, of gold and silver
which I have given to the House of my God, over and above all that
I have prepared for the holy House..." then enumerating the vast
amount he, personally had given.
Then David asked of the PEOPLE of God's Church of that day:
"WHO, then, is willing to consecrate HIS service this day unto the
Eternal?" And the people proved that their HEARTS WERE IN IT--the
amount they gave, measured in dollars, was equivalent to four
hundred and fifteen and a half MILLIONS of dollars! (I Chron. 29:5-
8).
And then "THE PEOPLE REJOICED, for that they had offered
WILLINGLY, because with perfect heart they offered WILLINGLY to the
Eternal: and David the King also rejoiced with great joy" (Verse
9).
Brethren, WHY CAN'T WE, TODAY, BE AS WILLING OF HEART, AND
REJOICE AS MUCH? We have God's HOLY SPIRIT to help and guide and
lead us--they did not. We live in a far more prosperous time and
country than they. But we have not been willing to GIVE to God,
proportionately, as they!
Now consider the FACTS! There are some 5,000 of us who are
adult members of God's Church today. And we have contributed, by
pledge, only an average of $1.25 per month per member! Some of our
ministers, in setting you an example, have contributed from $30 to
$100 per month each--which is a pretty good portion of their
salaries, especially after income taxes, tithes, and regular
offerings for the GOSPEL WORK, which must come out first. A few
others have pledged $50 to $200 per month each. Mrs. Armstrong and
I, since writing you that letter, have found a way to cut other