Open Them Up by J. E. White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 9, 1905

Open Them Up

By J. E. White

THERE are now in the homes of our people more than twenty-five thousand Self-Denial Boxes that have been sent out by the Southern Missionary Society. The larger number of these have been sent in response to applications for them. From the few responses in the way of remittances, we believe that many are holding their contributions until they shall amount to a sum that will be satisfactory to them to send. We would have no objection to this plan were it not for the need of immediate funds for the carrying forward of the work of the different departments of the society.

We are often confronted with the questions, How shall we be able to make our weekly settlements with the workers in the field? Considering the small wages these people receive, it will be readily seen that they must receive their wages each week, or they will suffer inconveniences, and their work be made almost impossible; hence our society has formed the rule of settling with its laborers each week. This inspires confidence among the workers, and they are able to give their attention fully to the work. So we ask all to open up the Self-Denial Boxes in their homes, and see that their contents are immediately sent forward so that our society can have the proceeds with which to carry forward its work.

Will the church elders kindly call the attention of the members of the churches to this request regarding the Self-Denial Boxes, and ask all to send in their remittances immediately.

Remittances may be sent directly to the Southern Missionary Society, Edgefield, Tenn., or handed to the church officers, and sent through the regular channels; but in every instance and by every officer connected with it, the statement must be made that the remittance is from the Self-Denial Boxes for the Southern Missionary Society. Unless this statement is made plainly, there will certainly be confusion and misunderstanding in the appropriation of the funds.

The Southern Missionary Society is planning a number of advance moves for this season. It will require a larger income than ever before; but we do not hesitate to say that if our people who have applied for these boxes, and have received them, put in an average of only two cents a week in each of these boxes, the income so received would enable the society to conduct its present work, and to open twenty new schools.

We hope a sentiment favoring the proper use of these boxes will be created among our people so that this work may go forward as never before. Certainly the closing conditions of this field demand prompt action and no further delay. The sum necessary to be deposited in each box is so small that it will never be felt by the individual, and will draw nothing from any other branch of the work, and still it will give ample support for a large part of the greatly needed mission schools.

J. E. WHITE.