A Thousand-Dollar Gift From Our London Publishing House
By Arthur G. Daniells
OUR brethren and sisters who are watching the rapidly growing list of contributions to the One Hundred Thousand Dollar Fund for the work in Washington, must be greatly encouraged by the universal interest of our people in this movement, as expressed by their offerings. Gifts ranging from two cents from little children, up to one thousand dollars from careful business men and managing boards, are being received from all parts of the world. In some remote part of the country an isolated believer in this cause is interested in the Washington work, prays for its success, carefully lays by what can be spared to assist in the erection of the buildings, and sends it in with a cheering message of confidence. In some far-off mission field a little company of believers, or the board of management of a destitute mission, solicits contributions, makes up a purse of from twenty-five to one hundred dollars, and sends it across the waters to us. With it comes a letter, expressing satisfaction that our headquarters are located at this nation’s capital, and assuring us of their deep interest in the welfare of our building enterprises. From another distant field there comes a substantial contribution from some brother who has gone from this land, but who knows the meaning of the efforts to establish the work in Washington. From still another land there comes a splendid gift from the managing board of an institution that has, by earnest endeavor and careful economy, made some little gain in operating the business affairs of the institution during the past year. Among these gifts is one from our dear Brother G. A. Irwin, now in Australia. Pressed on every side for means to carry forward the growing work in Australasia, Brother Irwin sent a personal gift of nearly one hundred dollars to assist at Washington. Those who are acquainted with the needs of that promising field, know something of the meaning of such a gift. And now comes a splendid contribution from another field. The directors of the International Tract Society, Ltd., of London, have sent us one thousand dollars. The International Tract Society is our publishing house in Great Britain. For years this house has just managed to meet expenses; but recently it has enjoyed greater prosperity. Last year it was able to record a substantial gain. As the machinery and other facilities of the institution are wearing out, the company sorely needs every dollar it can produce to replace its worn-out machinery and enlarge its facilities to meet the growing demands of the British field. But so great and genuine is the interest of our British brethren in our work at Washington, that the first resolution passed by the directors after adopting the balance sheet for 1903, was to appropriate one thousand dollars of the earnings of the company to Washington. We desire to assure our brethren that such gifts are most heartily appreciated by those in direct charge of operations in Washington. As we realize the sacrifice that attends many of the contributions to this enterprise, we feel as David did regarding the water brought to him by some of his men. As he saw the dangers those men faced, “he would not drink thereof,” but poured it out, and said, “Is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?” If the money sent to our office by widows, ministers, mission boards, and directors of institutions hard pressed for funds to meet their own necessities, were for any individual, it would certainly be returned. But it is for the cause of God. The Spirit of our Master has put it into the hearts of his people everywhere to support this present movement, and we believe that in return for this he will open the windows of heaven, and pour out blessings upon his obedient people. In view of all this, should not our people in America who have so long been enjoying financial prosperity, come forward with large gifts to this enterprise? A few more one-thousand-dollar contributions would help us very much. Our hearts are set on finishing this present effort without creating one dollar of indebtedness. We believe this will be done. If so, a new experience will have come to this denomination in matters of finance. We solicit the prayers and gifts of this whole people in this matter. A. G. DANIELLS.