The New Self-Denial Box by A. J. Haysmer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 31, 1910

The New Self-Denial Box

By A. J. Haysmer

For several years the Southern Missionary Society has been putting out a self-denial box for the purpose of securing funds for the work among the colored people of the South.

This is in harmony with the light God has given us through his servant, Sister E. G. White. I quote only a few statements from the great amount that has been given on this subject:—

“I present to you this portion of the Master’s vineyard, which has been neglected, but which must be worked. I make an earnest appeal to all who love the Lord Jesus to do all they can to help at this important time.

“The Lord instructed me that much could be accomplished by placing self-denial boxes in the homes of our people. I acted upon the light given. I am glad to learn that the love of Christ has moved many hearts, and that so large a number have responded. My heart says, Thank God for the good results that have been seen. The money sent in from these self-denial boxes helps in the accomplishment

of the great and good work that we desire to see done.”

“Many should become interested in the work of placing these boxes in homes. Ask old and young to aid the work for the colored people by placing these boxes in every home possible. A blessing will surely follow the gifts of self-denial thus brought to the Master.”

“Tell the little ones about the work that is being done for the colored children, who have been so greatly neglected. Tell them that the money they put into the self-denial boxes is used in giving colored children some of the blessings white children are so abundantly provided with.”

“My dear brethren and sisters everywhere, I wish to ask if you would not regard it a privilege to lay aside a certain sum weekly for the Southern field. Will you not put in a prominent place in your home a box with the inscription, ‘For the work among the colored people of the South’? Will you not ask your children to put into this box the money that they would otherwise spend for candy and other needless things? When visitors come to your home, they will see the box, and will ask in regard to it. Let the children tell the story of their effort to help a needy missionary field by denying self.”

“Every church-member should cherish a spirit of sacrifice. In every home there should be taught lessons of self-denial. Keep in your homes a self-denial box into which you can put the money saved by little acts of self-denial.”

“Invite those not of our faith to do all they can for the advancement of this work. The Lord has placed the responsibility upon them. He expects them to act their part. As they have received, so they are to impart.”

“By precept and example, teach self-denial, economy, large-heartedness, and self-reliance.”

I am sure that these words will find a hearty response among God’s remnant people. Just now there is a greater need than ever that we should deny ourselves and make a real sacrifice, that this work may no longer be kept back for a lack of means. There is a great dearth of laborers, but there are several now ready to enter the work had we the means to enlarge our force.

I wish all would read pages 199-226 in ‘Testimonies for the Church,’ Vol. IX. I will quote only a little from the closing paragraphs:—

“Thousands of colored people in the South may now be uplifted, and become human agents to help their own race, if they can receive the help God is calling upon us to give them. . . .

“My dear brethren and sisters, Christ is now saying to you: ‘Lift up your eyes and look on this Southern field; for it needs workers—sowers of the seed, and reapers. It needs your means; for the maintenance of these workers. The grace of Christ is unlimited, it is God’s free gift. Then why should not this neglected people have some hope and courage and faith brought into their lives? There is sunshine in the heart for all who will accept Christ.’”

In order that all our people may have a part in this work, we have prepared a very neat and substantial self-denial box again this year. In place of the calendar we have several good illustrations showing some typical scenes in the Southern field, also some of our institutions which have been established for the uplifting of the colored people.

This box will last several years, and thus the means used to get out new ones each year will be saved to use in the work. I am sure all will be pleased with it.

We are desirous of placing this box not only in the homes of all our people, but with all who would like to assist in helping to carry the gospel to this needy race.

We need your assistance in getting this box into these homes. As we do not have all the names and addresses, we will esteem it a great favor if all who read this will make an earnest effort to assist us. Will not each of our church elders send us the name and address of the head of each family in his church, and all others who will assist in this good work?

Write us as soon as possible how many to send you for your church and neighborhood. Brethren, here is an opportunity for all to be workers together to help the work along. May the Lord bless all efforts put forth. Address me at 61 Lindsley Ave., Nashville, Tenn.

A. J. HAYSMER, Secretary.