Only a small amount of means flows into the Lord’s treasury to be appropriated to the saving of souls, and it is with hard labor that even this is obtained. If the eyes of all could be opened to see how prevailing covetousness has hindered the advancement of the work of God, and how much more might have been done had all acted up to God’s plan in tithes and offerings, there would be a decided reform on the part of many; for they would not dare to hinder the work of advancing the cause of God as they have done. The church is asleep as to the work it might do if it would give up all for Christ. A true spirit of self-sacrifice would be an argument for the reality and power of the gospel which the world could not misunderstand or gainsay, and abundant blessings would be poured upon the church. {4T 483.2}

Kun få midler tilflyder Herrens skatkammer for at anvendes til sjæles frelse og selv disse små beløb opnås kun ved hårdt arbejde. Dersom alles øjne kunne oplades til at se, hvorledes den rådende begærlighed har hindret Guds værks fremgang og hvor meget der kunne have været udrettet, hvis alle havde handlet efter Guds plan vedrørende tiende og offergaver, ville der for manges vedkommende ske en afgjort reform; for de ville ikke vove at hindre arbejdet med at fremme Guds sag, således som de har gjort. Menigheden sover, hvad det arbejde angår, som den kunne udrette, dersom den ville give slip på alt for (484) Kristus. En sand selvopofrelses ånd ville være et bevis på evangeliets virkelighed og kraft, som verden ikke kunne misforstå eller modsige og rige velsignelser ville blive udgydt over menigheden.