Ques. How should the offering put into the Lord's Box on Lord's Day morning be spent?
Ans. Scripture is silent as to such details, and hence we cannot lay down any rule; but we may give our judgment, which must go for what it is worth. The money collected at the Lord's Table belongs to Him; and we believe He expects that those who take charge of it shall be wise, gracious, and faithful in their stewardship. No one individual should take upon himself the exclusive management of such a solemn and important business. There should be full, loving conference and fellowship on the part of those in whom the Assembly can place confidence. Those who have charge of the money should keep an accurate account of the collection and expenditure of each week; and this account should not only be open to the inspection of the brethren, but it should be, from time to time, duly laid before them.
As to the objects to which the Lord's money should be applied, there need be no difficulty. All righteous claims on the Assembly should first be met- for we must be just before we are generous; then the Lord's poor should be attended to; and finally, His work in its various departments, as may be agreed upon in conference.
We cannot but judge, dear friend,that we all need to have our hearts stirred up, our understanding enlightened, and our consciences exercised as to the matter of the collection. We do not give as we might and as we ought. Our hearts are narrow, and our notions crude. We can find means during the week for a good deal of self-indulgence, for the purchase of many things which we could do without, and yet when the Lord puts His box into our hands at His table, our offerings are poor indeed. The collection at the Lord's Table, on the Lord's Day, is a beautiful and integral part of our worship. It is the special occasion in which we can, in holy fellowship, pour our offerings into His treasury.