Avoiding Debt by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 24, 1913

Avoiding Debt

By T. E. Bowen

T. E. BOWEN

(Continued)

LAST week the article closed with two quotations from the Testimonies regarding the need that private families so manage their affairs, through industry and economy, as to live within their income, pay their honest dues, and thus save the cause of God from reproach. Let us study further quotations to see if these same principles apply in the erection of church buildings and institutions.

Debts Upon Church Buildings Displeasing to God

"It is displeasing to God for our churches to be burdened with debt." "When you place the Lord first, and determine that his house shall no longer be dishonored by debt, God will bless you." "The lax way which some churches have of incurring debts and keeping in debt, was presented before me. In some cases a continual debt is upon the house of God. There is—

Continual Interest to Be Paid

These things should not and need not be. If there is that wisdom and tact and zeal manifested for the Master which God requires, there will be a change in these things. The debts will be lifted."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VI, pages 102, 103.

Sanitarium and School Debts

Much is said regarding the conduct of schools and sanitariums in later volumes of the Testimonies. Just a few pointed quotations can be given.

The Value of Land Connected With Our Large Schools

"To expend money in additional buildings when a school is already deeply in debt, is not in accordance with God's plan. Had the money which our larger schools have used in expensive buildings been invested in procuring land where students could receive a proper education, so large a number of students would not now be struggling under the weight of increasing debt, and the work of these institutions would be in a more prosperous condition. Had this course been followed, there would have been some grumbling from students, and many objections would have been raised by parents; but the students would have received an all-round education, which would have prepared them not only for practical work in various trades, but for a place on the Lord's farm in the earth made new.

"Had all our schools encouraged work in agricultural lines, they would now have an altogether different showing. There would not be so great discouragements. Opposing influences would have been overcome; financial conditions would have changed. With the students, labor would have been equalized; and as all the human machinery was proportionately taxed, greater physical and mental strength would have been developed. But the instruction which the Lord has been pleased to give has been taken hold of so feebly that obstacles have not been overcome."—Id., pages 177, 178.

The Accumulation of Debt Upon Institutions

"Methods must be devised to prevent the accumulation of debt upon our institutions. The whole cause must not be made to suffer because of debt which will never be lifted unless there is an entire change, and the work is carried forward on some different basis. Let all who have acted a part in allowing this cloud of debt to cover them now feel it their duty to do what they can to remove it."—Id., page 213.

Giving Character to the Work

"God designs that we shall learn lessons from the failures of the past. It is not pleasing to him to have debts rest upon his institutions. We have reached the time when we must give character to the work by refusing to erect large and costly buildings. We are not to copy the mistakes of the past, and become more and more involved in debt."—Id., Vol. IX, page 71.

Studying Christ's Example

"Those who lead out in the establishment of medical institutions must set

right example. Even if the money is in sight, they should not use more than is absolutely needed." "We must also remember that our work is to correspond with our faith. We believe that the Lord is soon to come, and should not our faith be represented in the buildings we erect? Shall we put a large outlay of money into a building that will soon be consumed in the great conflagration?" God desires that the humble, meek, and lowly spirit of the Master, who is the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, shall ever be revealed in our institutions. Christ's first advent is not studied as it should be. He came to be our example in all things. His life was one of strict self-denial. If we follow his example, we shall never expend means unnecessarily.—Id., Vol. VII, pages 91, 92.

Webster's New International Dictionary defines debt as follows: "That which is due from one person to another, whether money, goods, or services; that which one person is bound to pay to another, or to perform for his benefit; thing owed; obligation; liability."

When it comes to our churches, sanitariums, schools, and publishing houses, these properties are not realizable in the same sense that private homes are, in that they are not usually of such a nature as to be sold to advantage, as though adapted to our work. Consequently all the more important is it that these be established and kept free from debt.