Many who have taken stock are not able to donate it. Some of these persons are suffering for the very money which they have invested in stock. As I travel from state to state, I find afflicted ones standing on the very verge of the grave, who should go to the Institute for a while, but cannot for want of the means they have in Institute stock. These should not have a dollar invested there. One case in Vermont I will mention. As early as 1850 this brother became a Sabbathkeeper, and from that date he contributed liberally to the several enterprises that have been undertaken to advance the cause, till he became reduced in property. Yet when the urgent, unqualified call came for the Institute, he took stock to the amount of one hundred dollars. At the meeting at —— he introduced the case of his wife, who is very feeble, and who can be helped, but must be helped soon, if ever. He also stated his circumstances, and said that if he could command the one hundred dollars then in the Institute,…
"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it."
The EGW passage directly illustrates the principle of Proverbs 3:27. The brother in Vermont had the 'good' (money) to help his wife, but it was tied up in stock, preventing him from doing the 'good' that was 'in the power of his hand.'
"But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"
The EGW passage describes a situation where someone in need is being denied help because resources are tied up elsewhere. This aligns with the sentiment of 1 John 3:17, which speaks against withholding compassion from those in need.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
The EGW passage discusses the unwise investment of resources in a way that hinders helping those in need. This echoes the principle of Matthew 6:19-20, which warns against storing up earthly treasures and encourages investing in heavenly ones.
The friends of humanity, of truth and holiness, should act in reference to the Institute on the plan of sacrifice and liberality. I have five hundred dollars in stock in the Institute, which I wish to donate, and if my husband succeeds with his anticipated book, he will give five hundred dollars more. Will those who approve this plan please address us at Greenville, Montcalm County, Michigan, and state the sums they wish to donate, or to invest in stock to be held as the stock in the Publishing Association is held. When this is done, then let the donations come in as needed; let the sums, small and large, come in. Let means be expended judiciously. Let charges for patients be as reasonable as possible. Let brethren donate to partly pay the expenses at the Institute of the suffering, worthy poor among them. Let the feeble ones be led out, as they can bear it, to cultivate the beautifully situated acres owned by the Institute. Let them not do this with the narrow idea of pay, but with th…
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Both passages discuss giving and generosity, particularly in the context of supporting a cause. EGW's passage encourages liberal donations and sacrifice, echoing the principle of cheerful giving found in 2 Corinthians 9:7.
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
Both passages touch on the theme of sacrifice for the benefit of others. EGW's call for sacrifice and liberality in supporting the Institute aligns with the example of Christ's sacrifice described in 2 Corinthians 8:9.
"For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;"
The EGW passage encourages people to give to the Institute, even suggesting that she and her husband will donate generously. This aligns with the spirit of 2 Corinthians 8:3, which praises those who give willingly, even beyond their means.