Important Notice by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 9, 1883

Important Notice.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

It will be noticed in this week's paper that we have acknowledged the receipt of money toward raising a sum of not less than $25,000, the income of which goes to aid those who are worthy and need the benefit of our school, but who, without financial aid, cannot attend. It is well known that the object of the school is to fit young men and women for usefulness in the cause of God. To accomplish this it is necessary that habits of industry be acquired, as well as mental training and a knowledge of the sciences; also that the Scriptures be taught in a manner which will give a thorough knowledge of the truth and the best method of presenting it to others.

Not only ministers and missionary workers are wanted in the cause, but teachers also. There are not less than five of our churches in California at the present time which are in need of teachers to instruct their children, and they are ready to pay a reasonable sum if the proper persons can be secured. They are not satisfied with the common teachers of the present day. They need those who have formed habits of industry themselves, and understand how to teach the Bible in harmony with the truths which we profess, as well as the most successful methods of teaching the Scriptures. If there ever was a time when our youth and children should be well grounded in the truths of God's word it is in this infidel age in which we live.

Men and women professing present truth are revealing the fact that they have no real faith in the Scriptures as being the word of God. As we value the importance of eternal life in the kingdom of glory, and the salvation of our families, so will be our interest in securing that instruction in divine things which will shield ourselves and families against the corrupting influences of the present time. These teachers should also be prepared to aid the church in the missionary work. Teachers not of our faith cannot appreciate the needs of the children and youth, and the wants of those who are looking for the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven.

There are many who are anxious to prepare themselves for these fields of usefulness, but are unable to attend school. Such persons we are anxious to help. There are also those who have money loaned to the Association on interest, who have no special interest in giving their means or any part of the income to the cause. It is proposed that this money raised will be used to take up such notes, and that the Association pay the interest directly to the school. Thus instead of the earnings of the Association going to those who have no special interest to help the cause, they will be brought directly to the aid of those who are seeking to qualify themselves for usefulness. The principal will ever be kept good, being used in the cause of God, while its earnings will be used as described.

We invite those who have funds, to donate from one to ten thousand dollars each, for this enterprise, if they can do so without robbing other branches of the work. It is a safe investment, yielding a sure income in the kingdom of God. 2 Cor. 9:9; Ps. 12:9.

S. N. HASKELL.