The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-08-22
THE OENT-A-DAY PLAN.

Letters come to me frequently, from
friends interested in the mission work of
our church. containing requests for in
formation respecting this comparatively
new method. Subscribers to Cent a Day
pledges also write for information,
showing that some among this class do
not quite understand either what is pro-
posed or what is required by the new
system. At the risk of repeating what
has previously been said by me on this
subject. would like to set forth the es-
sential features of the Cent Day plan.
1t is method by which contributions
are sought to be obtained, to be equally
divided between the General Conven-
ton and the State Conventions within
whose limits, respectively, the contribu-
tons are made. One-half of the pro-
ductiveness of these pledges. coming
from localities included within the limits
of State Convention. is paid into the
treasury of such a Convention, being
credited in the accounting to the par
ishes with which the signers respectively
are connected. The other half of the
productiveness of the pledges is retained
by the General Conventions. to be ap-
piled to the purposes of Church Exten-
sion and Home Missions. 1t is a part of
the plan that all payments on account of
these pledges shall pass through the
hands of the Financial Secretary. The
division of revenue called for by the
Centa-Day plan is intended to be made
twice each year.
The Cent-Day plan involves an obi
cation to pay definite sum. The prom
Use made is not merely to accept box
as depository, and from time to time to
make return of its contents, according
to what was required by the former use
Of missi onary boxes; but. vital element
in the new method is the agreement en-
tered into to give one Cent-a Day for
the purposes already named, and to con.
tinue such definite contribution until
written notice OF the discontinuance
of the subscription, is given.
Elsewhere in this paper facsimile of
pledge is shown, by reference to which
it's precise terms and conditions may be
noted. 1t will be seen that the pledge
runs for an indefinite period. or course,
subscriber to one of these pledges may
append special limitation, so making
the promise to apply for only one year.
or any definite given period. Mindful
of the continuous nature OF the sub
scription, signers 'of the pledges. who
ask for cancellation of the same,
should make payment from the date of
the pledge to the time when its discon.
tinuance is desired.
In answer to question often pro-
posed, namely, when should payments
of Cent-a-Day Pledges be made?' I
would say, that goodly number of con-
tributors pay in advance, for one year, or
part of year. They send the amount
with the pledge itself. or very soon after
the time of making their subscription.
Such an anticipation OF payment is most
acceptable, especially at a time like the
present, when the needs of the General
Convention are so pressing, and the
means in hand so inadequate. There is,
however. no requirement for advance
payment. Subscribers may remit quar-
terly. semi.annually, or at the end of a
year, as may be most convenient to
them. In parishes where the pastor is
willing to receive and forward payments
or where some interested friend will
render such service, subscribers can
make payment accordingly; but in other
cases, returns shall be sent directly to
the undersigned.
would add word of exhortation in
regard to the working of this new plan.
1t has already proven its feasibility and
its productiveness. EThe year and half
Of its testing has shown how excellently
we'll it is adapted for financial produc-
tiveness. 1t has gained favor in socie-
ties where it has been taken hold of and
applied with earnest purpose. But the
Cent a Day plan will not work itself. 1t
will not become productive according to
what are its possibilities, unless it is
brought to the personal attention of the
men and women who belong to our Uni
versalist constituency, and commended
to them as an approved means of helping
to furnish the necessary supplies for
doing the work to which our Conven-
tions are committed.
May not. therefore. in the interest of
this work, appeal to pastors Of Univer-
salist parishes. superintendent of Sur
day-schools. off GERS of Young Peoples
Christian Unions, and others, who may
read these lines, to lend hand in the
working of the plan, and so render a
most important service? Will not many
of these Jealous and faithful friends
send for a supply of the Cent-a- Day
blanks, and endeavor to obtain sub
scribers to the same? 1t will be good
work in good cause thus to distribute
these pledges and obtain signatures
thereto. First of all, sign yourself; then
ask others to enlist in the band of Cent.
a Day helpers. Do not wait to be called
upon by pastor or agent, or to be written
to by any representative of the Conven-
i L