p. 68 | The New Call for Men by B. McCormick

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

The New Call for Men.

By B. McCormick

THE President of the United States, has issued another call for Three Hundred Thousand volunteers to fill up the ranks of our armies. In all probability the most of that number will be obtained by drafting. Now we in common with others, are subject to said draft. In all probability some of us will be drawn. I propose that we raise a draft fund, to redeem those who may be drafted.

We as a people have plead for equality. I think there should be equality in this, as well as in other things. I have known some of our brethren, who have been drafted, that had to make quite a sacrifice to raise the $300. Some have had to borrow. Others had to sell their homes.

Some of our preachers, who have been drafted, have had to raise their exemption money by subscription. If we all felt an interest in this, acting on the principle laid down by the apostle, while one member suffers, all the members should suffer with it, I think a sufficient amount might be raised without any one's being compelled to suffer.

While the $300 clause was of universal application, the people of the world formed themselves into clubs to assist each other to pay their commutation money. Should we not be as consistent as the world in this respect? I presume it would not exceed five dollars apiece, to redeem every brother who may be drafted. I propose that all send in their amounts to the Treasurer of the General Conference, subject to the order of any brother who may be drafted that will give satisfactory evidence that he is a member of any of our churches.

B. MCCORMIC.

Menomonie, Dunn Co. Wis. Jan. 7, 1865.