Systematic Benevolence.
By Editor
It was the painful probability five years since, that our efficient preachers would have to leave their calling, and labor with their hands to support their families, that led us to introduce to our people the plan of systematic benevolence. The design of the plan was to raise means for the definite object of advancing the third angel's message. To this sacred object should our tithes religiously paid into the treasury be devoted. The worthy poor may deserve our sympathy, and relief from present suffering. Other objects, good in themselves, may set before us an open door to do good with our means; but we must solemnly protest against draining the treasury of the Lord of that which has been sacredly cast in on the heaven-approved plan of systematic benevolence, to advance the cause of the third message, to meet the numerous and increasing calls of these times. If we begin now, when times are comparatively easy, to rob God's sacred treasury for secular purposes, what will be the end should times change, and pinching want visit the homes of the widows and orphans, made such by our present, dreadful war? The entire s. B. fund probably would not be a tithe of the sum necessary to meet all the pressing calls from the suffering poor for help. The advancement of the third message is the highest object on earth for which we can labor. Whatever suffering there may be elsewhere, this cause should be the last to suffer for want of means. Should our brethren be drafted, they should if necessary mortgage their property to raise the three hundred, rather than to accept means that should go into the Lord's treasury. We would say this even of our ministers. The draft will probably come closer and closer. We pay into the s. B. fund annually $40,00. Let that be used as designed. We have $40,00 more to help drafted ministers if needed. We say then let the plan of systematic benevolence be carried out sacredly, and let it accomplish its designed object, namely, to send forth the last merciful message to the world. We hope that brethren Loughborough and Pierce will so successfully organize the scattered brethren in New England, build up the cause, and establish systematic benevolence, that New England will soon support all the laborers in that field. Till then, Michigan churches, and Michigan State Conference, as well as other States have a duty to do for the East.