Systematic Benevolence.
By J. D. Van Horn
To the Churches of Seventh-day Adventists of Michigan. DEAR BRETHREN: When the plan of Systematic Benevolence was devised and adopted by our people as a means of supporting the cause of God financially, it was an experiment. An examination of the subject, has shown that it is God’s own plan, established among his ancient people Israel, and sanctioned by Christ and the apostles. It has ceased to be an experiment with us, and we are compelled to say that, as a system, it works well. There is great need of a more thorough work in carrying out this plan in this Conference. All should bring their figures up to the plan, that there may be plenty of means in the treasury of the Lord to carry on his work. Owing to a failure on the part of some churches to report, it has made it impossible for the Treasurer of the Conference to keep a correct account with them. This failure has been caused mainly by neglect, but partly, no doubt, by the s. b. year beginning with the Conference, which held its sessions at different times, so that the quarters were very irregular. But this has now been changed so there need be no trouble hereafter. At our last session of the Conference, held in September in connection with the camp-meeting, action was taken to have the Systematic Benevolence year begin with the first day of January, in harmony with our blank books, in all the churches of the Conference. This will bring the quarterly reports every year alike, and all will know that these reports are due, and should be sent to the Conference secretary or Treasurer the first day of April, of July, of October and of January. Every church should realize that the secretary or treasurer must have these reports in order to keep a correct account on the books with them. Now what we propose is this: First let each church, that has not already done so, settle up with the Conference treasurer between this and the first of January next. This may be done by each church treasurer sending to the Conf. Treasurer a correct copy of the record kept by him, of the amount pledged and paid to the Conference each year since s. b. was organized with them. Second, let every church hold a meeting the last week in December to re-arrange s. b. for the year 1873. A vote should be taken saying how much of this you pledge to the Conference for said year, and then report the same to the Conf. Treasurer. A new account will be commenced at that time with each church, and by faithfulness on the part of all, the work will move on right in the future. We hope and pray that all our churches and scattered brethren and sisters will immediately take hold of this matter in earnest, and by so doing receive the blessing of God. If any should desire further information concerning this subject, they can write to me, and I will cheerfully comply with their request. The name and address of the Conference Treasurer is, Addie Merriam, Battle Creek, Mich. J. D. VAN HORN, Secretary.