J. W by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1865

J. W

By James White

REMARKS. We are in favor of Bible equality. But as far as means is concerned, equality does not call for five dollars or any other sum from every brother. The Bible requires according to what a man hath. One man can pay yearly $200 as well as his poorest brother can two dimes. In order to carry out strict Bible equality in the matter introduced by Bro. McCormick, some should pay more, others less.

But our brother has set his figures vastly too low. It is said that the next draft will take about one in three of able-bodied men, liable to the draft. And it is supposed that this proportion of Seventh-day Adventists will be drawn; that is, one in three. In this case if each should pay into the treasury $100, the same would be sufficient to pay $300, for all drawn at the coming draft.

But it is probable that in many places the quotas will be filled without a draft. In other places it will be partly filled, so as to reduce the numbers to be drawn. Should they be reduced one half, $50, each would be sufficient; but it would be far better to raise a sum too large than one too small, which might result in a hundred and one difficulties and trials.

We are in favor of raising a fund for the benefit of our efficient preachers who are liable to a draft. And we would set the sum for each to pay into the treasury at $100. These faithful and true laborers who have not the $100, have friends in Christ who would gladly donate this sum for them. The interest we have in this matter for our fellow-laborers in particular is sufficient to induce us to pledge $100 to such a fund, for the benefit of those only who pay, or their friends for them, the sum of $100 each into the treasury.

If this war continues, God only knows what it will do for even non-combatants. Unless Heaven interposes, they may not always be treated with that respect and mercy which they now receive. In respect to our duty as non-combatants in reference to the war, we promise, providence permitting, to speak more fully next week.