[daniel1212]

Would any believers seek state endowments for their Church, if they remembered that the Lord is dishonoured by their asking Caesar's aid?

Even wise virgins sometimes slumber, but it is high time for all to shake off the bands of sloth. It is to be feared that many believers lose their strength as Samson lost his locks, while sleeping on the lap of carnal security.

Indeed, and Caesar's aid has strings attached which will require compromise, , and related to this is a danger of , of prosperity and the comfort it affords, and of not ordering our lives so that God must be sought for His aid, and direction sought, of not having the heart we had in conversion as regards humility and conscience toward God and consciousness of Him.

And I think these devo threads should not be open to all (and which are "closed to debate of any kind"), who can learn from such overall Godly mean as Spurgeon.

[imardmd1]

I am reminded of George Mueller (click here) of the same era as Spurgeon, who depended on God for the supply of practical evangelical work through unsolicited gifts, and issued receipts and accountability for every amount.

His work followed the principle of remaining apart from state aid or interposition, the brethren looking out for the souls given them by the Lord. The brethren of the "Plymouth" sort have always held to this policy.