SHALL WE HELP?

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 4, 1900

We have been told that a whole army of missionaries should be trained for the Lord's work. When a worldly government is in trouble, there are many who are willing to volunteer to defend their country and carry forward its interests. The people of God are not to be behind the people of the world. We know that there will be a large number of earnest persons who will volunteer to enter this army of the Lord. Many are willing to give their time and ability, but they are not prepared to pay their expenses for the training. The churches have a responsibility in such cases, and the Lord has spoken plain words to them. The following are some of the instructions:—

“When we see a young man of promise, we should use our influence to get him into the college. If young men have not any money,—young men seldom if ever lay up money,—do not say, ‘Go and work a year, and then go into the college.’ No; but try to help them; present them before the churches; bear a decided testimony, and say, Brethren, we want you to help these individuals through college.’ And all the time you keep your eye on them, just as though you were their guardian.”

“The wealthy man or woman converted to God will begin to comprehend what good may be done with intrusted capital. They will see that institutions are established for the education of the youth, and that they are sustained by gifts and offerings. They will know that many youth must be trained for the missionary field, and the wealthy will become agents in the hands of God to set in operation the instrumentalities whereby men and women may become enlightened.”

“If there are some who can not give personal effort in missionary work, let them live economically, and give of their earnings. They can help pay the expenses of students who are fitting for missionary work. . . . The churches should feel it a privilege to defray their poor students’ expenses.”

“If there are those who should have the benefit of the school, but who can not pay full price for their tuition, let the churches in our Conferences show their liberality by helping them. This is an important subject, and calls, not for a narrow calculation, but for a thorough investigation. . . . Debts must not be allowed to accumulate. We must have help with which to carry on our schools. It will be so much better to make donations now to lessen the principal, thus lessening the interest to be paid.”

Many worthy persons have made application to enter school, who have not money to pay for their training. Are there not brethren and sisters among us who would esteem it a great privilege to follow out the plan that the Lord has given for such, that these students may be trained for the Master's cause? In this way those who can not do active work may share the blessings of those who are in the field. We trust that the churches where these students are will interest themselves at once in their cases, and see that they are given an opportunity to enter the school. And if you know of no one who wishes help, please send the money to us; we have many opportunities to help worthy persons through school. Address the president of Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Mich.