The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-03-14

that it gives too much prominence to
personal gifts. 1T is far better, in my
judgment" writes pastor in comment
ing upon the Cent-a-Day plan, "that my
people should unite as members OF the
parish in raising an assigned quota,
than to make specific gifts, whether for
one cent day or any other amount, to
the General Convention" That which
is here mentioned as an objection seems
to be strong element of recommends
ton to the Cent-a Day plan. 1t does
enlist individual interest, and that in a
more systematic and continuous way of
giving for the general cause than was
formerly the case. The Universalists
who sign Cent a-Day pledges, and main
tain the same. are most likely to have
an increasing interest in the enterprises
of the Conventions, and to become more
Jealous and generous in support of the
same.
Sometimes it is suggested that injus-
tice would be done to home interests by
introducing the Cent-a Day pledges, for
the reason that these would naturally
produce much larger aggregate am
ount than would be likely to be called
for by any Convention assessment.
This excess is needed at home. Hence
there is an unwillingness to adopt the
new method. If the aim in any locality
is to minimize contributionsfo for the gen
eral work, perhaps this objection is we'll
taken. But surely such an argument
would not appeal to Universalists who
are charged with the missionary spirit,
and who believe that the Conventions
ought to be generously supported in
their endeavors to advance the faith in
localities where there is an abundant
promise of fruitfulness. The Cent-a-
Day system. heartily endorsed by the
pastor and people Of the average Uni
versalists parish, will undoubtedly be
productive far beyond the measurement
of any quota system. This is esteemed
strong point in favor of utilizing the
method. An efficient Massachusetts
pastor, who caused the new plan to be
adopted in his parish early in 1895,
writes the following letter under date of
Feb. 25, 1896:
II have just presented the Conven-
tions' interests in another sermon along
missionary lines, and l hope that we
may still further increase the number of
our pledges. We are already paying
more than three times as much as we
paid under the quota plan; indeed, we
never paid quota to the General Con-
vention. But we can do good deal
more. and l think we SHALL The money
has been raised very easily. and has in
no way interfered with our local work.
Please send me some more blank pledg-
es, as we desire always to have num-
ber on hand ready to be used"
With such feeling toward the new
plan its successful operation is assured.
Both the State and the General Conven
tions would realize much more than
could be expected from the results of
any equitable apportionment.
No doubt there are many unpropi-
tious conditions in localities where as
yet no footing has been found for the
new system. In some cases. it is not 80
much doubt as to the working of the
plan as it is lack of hearty interest in
the Convention enterprises. 1t is want
of faith which bars the way to denomi-
national efforts. II we could rouse our
people to a sense of the urgent needs
which are now presented, and the great
possibility of advancing the Gospel in
places where the outlook is moet prom
ising, there would surely follow an ex.
preston of greater zeal and devotion
and liberality, even in the present hard
times.
Rev. DIR. Miner. in a letter written
only few days before his death. gave
expression to his feeling of regret that
there was so much and so general a
want OF interest Oh the part of Univer-
salists to denominational claims and en-
terprises. Among other things he
wrote this; May the Lord pardon us as
people for all our shortcomings in
duty, and our long-goings in relative
apathy" 1t is mainly because we can
not get our people as whole, to con-
slider the great interests of our church,
that they are contented with doing so
little in the support or enlargement of
those interests.
One of the most prominent Universal
ist clergymen, who has obtained num-
ber of subscribers to Cents Day pledges,
writes as follows:
Il hope and pray that the Cent a-Day