The School by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 29, 1873

The School.

By George I. Butler

AN APPEAL TO THE FRIENDS OF THE CAUSE.

Such is the title of a recent circular sent out to many of our friends by the General Conference Committee. It is an earnest appeal to our friends, everywhere, to take hold of the important work of furnishing means to purchase suitable grounds, erect buildings, and get our school into successful operation, the present year. In it are set forth the reasons for taking hold of this work at once. It is shown that the next great necessity among us is the school, in order that we may do the work ready for our hands. We cannot accomplish that work unless we have proper buildings in which to teach, lecture, and instruct those who have something to do in the cause, as well as our children whom we wish to have kept from the influences prevailing largely among the secular schools of the present time.

Our cause has reached that stage of advancement where it is eminently fit to make this move. No other great undertaking is so urgent as this. Now is the right time to set this enterprise upon a proper basis. We believe our brethren generally are ready to take hold of it. The providence of God is far in advance of us. Young people want instruction. Will our people take hold of this matter as they have other important enterprises? We believe they will. We have called for $20,000, and hope to see it pledged the coming year.

With the appeal, we have sent some subscription papers, upon which is already pledged the sum of $3400, by twelve individuals. We expect our people generally will take hold of this matter with energy.

In order to give all who wish to subscribe a good opportunity to do so, we have arranged these papers as follows: In one column, is stated the amount that will be given during the year 1873; in the other, the amount that will be given during the year 1874. This gives our brethren time to turn themselves, and make necessary calculations.

Where the Tract and Missionary Societies are properly organized, we propose to distribute these appeals and subscription papers through their agency; in other States, send them to churches and individuals. We cannot organize legally, until we have $5000 subscribed, and $1000 paid in. But until that can be done, Bro. White kindly consents to be responsible for the purchase of the site. We hope this enterprise will move right forward, and that 1873 will witness the erection of a school-house suitable for the purposes we have in view.

The present school, through the kindness of the trustees, and the church, occupies the meeting-house. This gives more room than they had in their old quarters. Some sixty scholars are attending, at present, and there is room for more. The scholars generally profess themselves well pleased at their advancement, especially those who have become fully acquainted with the system of teaching carried out.

GEO. I. BUTLER.