p. 120 | Our Quarterly Dues by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 12, 1877

Our Quarterly Dues.

By A. S. Hutchins

It is perhaps hardly necessary to make mention of the fact that if the brethren and sisters in our Conference act in accordance with the plan recommended in the payment of the one-third for the T. and M. Society, that one-half at least, of that amount should be paid into the treasury the first of the present month, if it has not previously been paid. From the introduction of this system to establish equality in raising means in T. and M. Societies, and to furnish means adequate to carry on the work, it was understood that if the one-third was not paid at the commencement of the year, it should be paid in quarterly installments in advance. We hope therefore that our brethren will not come behind in this work.

Another series of quarterly meetings will soon be held with us; and will any one think we expect too much to look confidently for the payment of the sum above specified at these meetings, if not previously paid into the S. B. treasuries of their respective churches? Brethren and sisters, we look for prompt and cheerful action from your hands in this matter.

And allow me to say further, that I hope the payment of S. B. may not be deferred in our churches as it sometimes has been heretofore.

We have generally adopted the plan of giving for the cause one-tenth of our increase and income. Some, and I hope many, are laying aside this amount as it comes to them, and with it are paying their pledges, and feeling a satisfaction in it.

When S. B. was first organized in our State the plan adopted quite generally was, to pay up quarterly, and more or less paid either quarterly or for the year in advance. Now I appeal to you, brethren, was not this far better than to do as some of us have done more recently? Some who have let their S. B. run unpaid the full year, or longer, find it hard to pay even then, and they have resolved that they would never let it run so again.

Dear brethren, let us pay up these pledges quarterly, and make our T. and M. reports quarterly. This order once established, I am sure we shall be much better satisfied with ourselves.

“In the Lord we live and move and have our being.” Let us not, then, wait till all other dues are met before acknowledging our duty to the Giver of all blessings, in this way. Please read Matt. 22: 21. A. S. HUTCHINS.

April 5, 1877.