p. 141 | The Cause in Ohio by Joseph Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 31, 1863

The Cause in Ohio.

By Joseph Clarke

At last, after a long night of darkness, light is dawning upon the cause of present truth in Ohio. Thanks to our heavenly Father for the tokens of good which are beginning to appear.

In view of the great work to be accomplished, and desiring to use the best and most judicious means of forwarding the cause of present truth, the committee would earnestly address the friends of truth in Ohio, recommending such measures as they have united upon,

and as seem necessary, judicious, and in harmony with the work.

Past experience admonishes us to move with the greatest caution, wisdom, and humility, using the utmost care and circumspection, lest the enemy gain an advantage; and while we walk as sheep in the midst of wolves, let us see to it, that past mistakes and errors do not dampen our ardor, or quench our zeal.

First, then, as to systematic benevolence. The committee would recommend to the churches in Ohio, the following plan for their adoption:

That the S. D. A. churches in Ohio, send in (by the hands of the treasurers) an account of the amount pledged upon the systematic benevolence books, for the current year, as soon as possible; upon which the committee have concluded to levy ninety per cent., or nine tenths of the whole amount, which shall constitute a fund for conference purposes, to be sent in to the treasurer of the conference committee, I. N. VAN GORDER, PORTAGE, WOOD CO., OHIO, which funds will be expected in payments as follows:

Said payments to be made quarterly, or every three months, thus: the first quarter expires with the present month, so that the first installment will be due on the first of April; the second, by the first of July; the third by the first of October; and the fourth by the first of January 1864.

By strictly following out the plan herein stated, the committee believe that much expense and trouble will be avoided; as for want of system, the committee have heretofore not only been cramped for want of means, but have been compelled to use their precious time, in making laborious trips, over difficult roads, in getting together a few dollars, for the upbuilding of the downtrodden cause of present truth.

The church at Lovett's Grove, have pledged nobly, coming up monthly with their tithes and offerings until their pledges for the coming year, amount to $200,00 or more, and truly God is pouring out his blessing upon them: at Portage eight brethren and sisters, four of us brethren and some of us day-laborers, have pledged $130,00 for the current year, and we feel that it is truly good to serve the Lord in bringing our tithes into the store-house.

Perhaps little more need be said prompting to liberality, as testimonies on this subject have been abundant of late, both oral and written. Only let this admonish us: "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly." And let this encourage us: "He which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." See 2 Cor. ix, 6.

JOSEPH CLARKE, Conf. Sec.