p. 10 | The Conscience Fund

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 21, 1913

The Conscience Fund

THE "conscience fund" was established by President Madison in 1811 when one who had defrauded the government out of five dollars returned it to the treasury. Up to June 30 this year the government has received on this fund $434,615.69. The largest amount ever received in one year was in 1902 when $35,868 was paid into the fund. The greatest individual contribution was made to the collector of customs in New York City more than a decade ago by some unknown person who had defrauded the government of tariff duties amounting to $18,669.69. Many consciences have been eased no doubt by returning to the treasury of Uncle Sam the amounts unjustly taken.

Many persons have reasoned that it was perfectly right at any time to defraud a railway company, or steal a ride on the street-car, or lie about the age of a child to avoid payment for a ticket. These things, however, are indicative of the real character. Those who are truly honest will not do these things. True honesty will find exercise in every business transaction of life. If all who have robbed different corporations and their fellow men generally should pay their just dues, there would be a great conscience fund running up into the millions.

No books of account in this world have a record of these dishonest transactions, but they are seen by the great Judge of all, and a record is kept in the books of heaven. If that record is not purged by a confession of the wrong and by restitution of stolen goods in this life, the account must be settled at last before the great Judge. Let us make right today every wrong, and stand before God and our fellows with a conscience void of offense.