Liberality on the part of our people went to a very low ebb in the winter of 1857-1858. At that time the following Testimony was given, directing us to search the Scriptures, for therein a plan is given for the support of the work-a plan which our people should adopt: “The least that has been required of Christians in past days, is to possess a spirit of liberality, and to consecrate to the Lord a portion of all their increase. Every true Christian has considered this a privilege, but some who have borne the name only, have considered it a task; the grace and love of God had never wrought in them the good work, or they would gladly have advanced the cause of their Redeemer. But Christians who are living in the last days, and who are waiting for their Lord, are required to do even more than this. God requires them to sacrifice.” COOD 106.4
“I was pointed back to the days of the apostles, and saw that God laid the plan by the descent of his Holy Spirit, and that by the gift of prophecy he counseled his people in regard to a system of benevolence. All were to share in this work of imparting of their carnal things to those who ministered unto them in spiritual things.”-Testimonies for the Church 1:170, 190. COOD 107.1