The Michigan State Conference S. B. Fund.
By Geo. I. Butler
We feel called upon to make a brief statement through the REVIEW in reference to paying out funds from the S. B. Treasury. The constitution of our State Conferences makes the executive committee of each Conference responsible for the disbursement of funds during the interval between the sessions of the Conference. We feel that this is an important and sacred responsibility. It is the duty of the executive committee to see that money is not paid out lavishly or for labor that has been of no value to the cause. Calls are coming in from licentiates for money, from time to time, where there is no means of knowing that they have any just claims upon the treasury. And we learn of instances where individuals are drawing means directly from the churches with no order from the Conference Committee. And we judge that some licentiates are going out to labor with the expectation of receiving full pay for their time whether their labors really amount to anything to the cause or not. And we fear there has been too much laxity in settling heretofore, so that this impression is fixed in the minds of some, that the amount of time spent will be fully paid for regardless of results or the character of the labor expended. In view of these things, and seeing the responsibility of disbursing means is placed upon the committee, we shall expect hereafter that all church treasurers will forward their means directly to the Conference treasurer, and that not one dollar shall be paid out without being so ordered by the committee. We advise the licentiates also, not to found their ideas of pay upon past settlements. In the future, more care must be taken or our S. B. fund will stand in danger. Licentiates should study economy, and labor with faith in God for perishing souls. Every one who thus labors will no doubt be cared for when the auditing committee settles, if their labor proves to be of value. But let them first prove their gifts before expecting remuneration. Let them show their ability to bring into the cause souls converted to God. Not merely those who are taught a little theory, but such as have hearts filled with love to God, who are Christians in deed and in truth. Then it will be time to think about pay. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. Gen. Conf. We fully indorse the sentiments stated above, and shall endeavor to see them carried out to the letter. E. H. ROOT, } Members of Mich.
S. H. KING, } State Conf. Com.