It Does Make a Difference
SOME one who evidently has not given the weekly offering envelopes a trial, or whose church is one of the rare ones, doing its utmost to support missions, says:— “It makes no difference whether the weekly offering envelope is used or not, the people give just as much one way as another.” The librarian of the St. Thomas (Ontario) church, commenting on this statement, writes:— “It does make a difference, and here is an illustration:— “The St. Thomas church, during the first half of 1902, did not use the envelopes, but since that time has used them right along. Compare the offerings made during the first six months of 1902 with the offerings made since:—
First six months of 1902...$4.45
Third quarter of 1902 ...... 3.80
Fourth quarter ............ 4.01 $12.26
1903
First quarter ............$5.98
Second quarter ........... 4.75
Third quarter ............ 6.12
Fourth quarter ........... 7.10 $23.95
1904
First quarter .............$8.20
Second quarter ............ 7.75 “This seems to me to be proof that it pays to use the envelopes. They can be distributed each Sabbath, and collected, and the whole thing occupies but a few minutes. But see the results. There is a steady increase of the means coming in for the support of God's work in the different fields throughout the world. No one is urged to give, it is all a 'free-will offering.' See 2 Cor. 9:7. It seems to me that the plan must be pleasing to God, and that he blesses those who adopt it, with means to give. Let others try it, especially those who are doubtful about it.” THE sixth annual announcement of Bethel Industrial Academy, at Bethel, Wis., is now ready for distribution, and can be obtained by addressing the principal. It is stated that the academy was established “for the purpose of giving a balanced training of heart, head, and hand to the youth of intermediate grade.” A note attached to the first page states that “Professor Washburn having been called to the Emmanuel Missionary College, Prof. A. W. Hallock has been elected principal to fill the vacancy.” Interesting reports of the work at Bethel have appeared from time to time in the REVIEW, and we hope that prosperity may still attend the school.