Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers you are gone away from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you… We do well to ask ourselves at this time how far the words of God by Malachi apply, to our case: " Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed Me."... "Wherein? In tithes and offerings." When we compare the millions upon millions lavished upon vain display, costly feasts, extravagant dress, palatial dwellings, frivolous or debasing amusements, and worse, on gambling, drinking, and unhallowed lusts, with the shabby pittance doled out for the Gospel at home and abroad, and then ask ourselves how this must look in God's sight, is it any wonder that we are visited with hard times? "I tremble for my country (said Thomas Jefferson) when I remember that God is just." Nine hundred million dollars spent in one year for intoxicating liquors; five and a half millions for missions (not church-support) at home and abroad — that is, one hundred and sixty-four to one. The nine hundred millions are not only squandered — they would better be cast into the sea than used as they now are to ruin the souls and bodies of men, to destroy families, and to plague the State. (F. H. Harling.) Parallel Verses KJV: Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? |
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