p. 141 | HOW MUCH? by H. A. St. JOHN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 2, 1876

HOW MUCH?

By H. A. St. JOHN

How much of a donation shall I put into the Tract Society this quarter? The above inquiry, I trust, has already occurred to many in Ohio, since looking upon the appointments for quarterly meetings. I am thankful if you are concerned in this matter; for I know you should be. I cannot tell you how much; but perhaps I may help you to determine your duty, by making a few statements relative to the wants of our Society, and the objects in view.

First, We desire to put at least 5000 copies of the new Health Almanac into families in Ohio this winter. This will take from one to two hundred dollars. But we can do it, brethren, and I feel confident that God will bless the work.

Secondly, We desire to obtain many new subscribers for our periodicals; and as many interested and worthy readers can be found who cannot pay full price, these will cost us something.

Thirdly, Every district will need a new supply of tracts and pamphlets for the winter campaign. The reading season is again at hand, and we should make every effort to improve it to the glory of God and the good of our fellow-men.

Thus you may see clearly that donations should not be stinted. Let every member be represented in the next quarterly meeting by a report; and let each report represent a liberal donation. Do not be content with giving ten, twenty-five, or fifty cents, unless it be all you can consistently do; if so, give that with a cheerful heart.

But there should be many donations of from one to twenty-five dollars. Let us continue our deposits into the never-failing savings bank of Heaven. A continuance in well-doing will secure the eternal inheritance. We must not slack until our treasure is all laid up above.

In conclusion allow me to state that the membership of our Society, as given in last report, is 230. Of this number only 127 reported; and only 106 made donations, and these donations footed up $182.57. This is an average of more than one dollar to each member reporting. This is quite well indeed; we have no word of complaint to offer. We only desire a more full report from the membership, and more liberal donations from all, to meet the increasing wants of a glorious and rising cause.

Watch, pray, and labor, shall by our watchwords.

H. A. St. JOHN.