I was pointed back to the children of Israel anciently. God required of them all, both poor and rich, a sacrifice according as He had prospered them. The poor were not excused because they had not the wealth of their rich brethren. They were required to exercise economy and self-denial. And if any were so poor that it was utterly impossible for them to bring an offering to the Lord, if sickness or misfortune had deprived them of the ability to bestow, those who were wealthy were required to help them to a humble mite, that they come not before the Lord empty-handed. This arrangement preserved a mutual interest. {1T 220.1}

Jeg blev vist tilbage til Israels børn fra gammel tid. Gud krævede et offer af alle, både fattige og rige, efter hvad han havde givet dem i nåde. De fattige blev ikke undskyldt for det at de ingen rigdom havde fra deres rige brødre. De blev pålagt at udøve sparsommelighed og selvfornægtelse. Og hvis nogen var så fattige at det var fuldstændig umuligt for dem at bringe et offer til Herren, hvis sygdom eller uheld havde berøvet dem evnen til at give, var de velhavende pålagt at hjælpe med en lille skærv, så de ikke kommer tomhændede til Herren. Denne ordning sikrede en fælles interesse.