Shall We Close the Material Fund for “Christ’s Object Lessons”?
By Arthur G. Daniells
Those who have been watching the reports of the Material Fund as they have appeared in the Review from week to week, have no doubt been pleased, as well as surprised, to see this fund rising week by week, like the tide of the sea. Under all the circumstances, it was not to be wondered at that the money came in freely when this fund was started two years ago. The plan for the relief of our schools was new, and so reasonable that it commended itself to the good sense of our people. The prospect of paying off the enormous debts upon our educational institutions was calculated to stir the hearts of our people, and lead them to great activity and sacrifice. The enthusiasm put into the work by those upon whom the burden of this important matter rested, touched responsive chords in many hearts, and brought to this enterprise generous gifts. But when the Material Fund reached forty thousand dollars, it certainly seemed to many as if it would be almost impossible to increase it to any great extent. But week by week it has grown, until now it is more than fifty thousand dollars; and it is steadily, yet slowly, increasing. It must be understood, however, and it certainly is by a few, that this growth of the Material Fund has not been without much hard work. The burden has rested most heavily upon Brother Magan. From the first, he espoused this cause, and for more than two years has stood by it with good courage and great perseverance. He has traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific, has written many articles and appeals for our papers, and has corresponded extensively with our people in behalf of this Material Fund. After two years of steady, persevering, pressing efforts in this work, the chariot wheels are beginning to run heavily. The load, although much lighter in itself, seems almost as heavy because of the length of time it has been borne. Those who have been carrying it feel as though it can be carried but little longer. They feel that the time has come for the whole amount required, to be raised speedily, and the fund closed. It is in view of this that I address a few words on this point to the readers of the Review. We are approaching another session of the General Conference. The Material Fund was started just prior to the General Conference in 1901. It was then fully expected that the entire fund would be raised, the books all sold, and the debts removed from most of our schools before another General Conference should open. This ought to be done. We are now opening and pressing forward a vigorous campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in all our States, with the view of disposing of the entire quota before the General Conference opens. Many of the conference officers and ministers in the various States have pledged themselves to put forth a heroic effort to close up this work, so that they can carry their “jubilee banners” to the General Conference. We join them in this noble resolution, and wish them the fullest degree of prosperity and ultimate success. We feel exceedingly anxious that this great achievement shall be made by all our conferences throughout America. While we are putting forth these great efforts to sell the books, should there not accompany them a like effort to supply the Material Fund with enough to pay the entire bill, and so close up the account? This is the earnest desire of those who have this burden resting upon them. It will take but a few thousand dollars more than has already been received. It is in the belief that our brethren and sisters will quickly and generously respond to the needs of this fund, that we make this special call. May we ask you who read these lines to give the matter prayerful consideration, and plan to send all that it may seem best for you to spare to the Material Fund? We earnestly plead, and we sincerely hope, that this fund will be entirely closed before the General Conference opens, March 27. Send your offerings to Prof. P. T. Magan, Berrien Springs, Mich., as usual, and he will report them in the columns of the Review. Brethren and sisters, please think of the burden that will be removed from the hearts of those who have this work in hand, and of the gladness it will bring to the hearts of our delegates to be able to report at the General Conference that this work is finished. We thank you most heartily for the help you have already rendered, and we shall be exceedingly grateful for every response that will now be made to quickly and fully close this fund.