“But the mission-band sends the money to a big society that uses it to send people to tell the heathen about God.”
“Is that what mission-bands are for—to send people to teach the heathen?” asked Marty.
“Yes, and to tell us about the heathen, so that we shall want to send the gospel to them,” said Edith. “Giving to help teach people about God is giving to him, isn't it?”
“And does the Bible say that everybody must give tenths?” asked Marty.
“No,” said Edith, “there is another plan in the New Testament. Mamma says that it is good for older people, but for little children who haven't good judgment, the Jewish plan of giving tenths is better.”
“It must be pretty hard to have to give some of your money away, whether you want to or not,” said Marty.
“Oh! but I always want to,” Edith declared. “The longer I do this way the better I like it.”
“Well,” remarked Marty consolingly, “a tenth isn't much any way; you'd hardly miss it. Neither would the Jews, for I guess they were pretty rich.”
“Oh! the tenth wasn't all they gave, and it isn't all I give. For me it is just the—the—beginning, the sure thing. The Jews had other ways of giving—first-fruits and thank-offerings and praise-offerings and free-will-offerings. And sometimes I give thank-offerings and praise-offerings too, but they are extra; the tenths I give always.”
“It's all dreadfully mixed up,” said poor Marty.