Early Writings
by Ellen G. White
Self-Denial
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There are many ways that we and others would be blessed
if we denied ourselves harmful things such as tobacco and coffee.
Illustration —
Morgue File |
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I saw that there was danger of the saints making too great
preparations for conferences; that some were cumbered with too much serving;
that the appetite must be denied. There is danger of some attending the
meetings for the loaves and fishes. I saw that all those who are indulging self
by using the filthy weed tobacco, should lay it aside and put their means to a
better use. Those make a sacrifice who deprive themselves of some gratification
and take the means they formerly used to gratify the appetite and put it into
the treasury of the Lord. Like the widow's two mites, such gifts will be
noticed of God. The amount may be small; but if all will do this, it will tell
in the treasury. If all would study to be more economical in their articles of
dress, depriving themselves of some things which are not actually necessary and
should lay aside such useless and injurious things as [122] tea
and coffee, giving to the cause what these cost, they would receive more
blessings here and a reward in heaven. Many think that because God has given
them the means, they may live almost above want, can have rich food, and clothe
themselves abundantly, and that it is no virtue to deny themselves when they
have enough. Such do not sacrifice. If they would live a little poorer and give
to the cause of God to help forward the truth, it would be a sacrifice on their
part, and when God rewards every man according to his works, it would be
remembered by Him. {EW
121.2}
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