Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 13, 1908

An Appeal for the Madison School

March 25, 1908 [typed]

Portions of this manuscript are published in PM 31; 7MR 195.

I am acquainted with the necessities of the work being done by Brethren Magan and Sutherland at Madison, Tennessee; for the Lord has presented this matter clearly before me. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 1

In their efforts to build up the school at Berrien Springs, these brethren nearly sacrificed their lives. Those who took up the work of the Emmanuel Missionary College after them had the benefit of their pioneer labors, and Brethren Sutherland and Magan began work in a new and more difficult field. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 2

Light has been given that a great work was to be done in and about Nashville. A printing plant was established there. This city was to hear the final gospel message to be given to the world. When Brethren Sutherland and Magan were looking for a place where a school might be established, they found the place where the school is now located. The price was moderate, and the advantages were many. I was shown that we should secure the property for the school, and I advised them to look no further. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 3

In their work at Madison, Brethren Sutherland and Magan and their associates have borne trial nobly. They have taught the students to raise their own crops, to build their own houses, and to care wisely for cattle and poultry. The students have been learning to become self-supporting, and a more important training than that they could not receive. Thus they have obtained a valuable education for useful labor in missionary fields. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 4

There have been plenty of discouraging words spoken regarding the work at Madison; and compared with the importance of the work, very little help has been given. When I have heard words calculated to discourage the workers at Madison, I have felt it my duty to say to the workers there, Have courage in the Lord, and do your best. And in the results that have attended their efforts, the Lord has given evidence that His blessing has rested upon their labors. It has been demonstrated that at the Madison school an all-round education can be given that will fit the students for efficient work in other fields. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 5

Now a modest sanitarium is being built, and a more commodious school building. These are necessary to carry on aright the work of education. In the past, Brethren Sutherland and Magan have used their tact and ability in raising means for the work in other places. They have worked and planned for the good of the cause as a whole. And the time has now come when these faithful workers should receive from their brethren, the Lord’s stewards, means which they need to carry on the work of the Madison School and the little Madison Sanitarium successfully. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 6

I appeal to our brethren to whom the Lord has entrusted the talent of means. Will you now help the workers at Madison, who have been instrumental in raising means for many enterprises? As the Lord’s messenger, I ask you to help the Madison School now. This is its time of need. The money which you possess is the Lord’s entrusted capital. It should be held in readiness to answer the call in places where the Lord has need of it. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 7

The necessities of the Madison School call for immediate help. Brethren, work while the day lasts; for the night cometh, when no man can work. We hope that no means will be drawn from you to help those who have gone out from us because they are not of us. There are many needy missionary fields that call for our help. The message of present truth must be carried to those who have never heard it. We pray that the Lord will give you wisdom to place your means where it will build up the cause of God in the earth. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 8

There is another matter I desire to write about. I desire to secure means that I can use for the publication of my books. I have much matter written which should come before the church and the world; but I have not the means with which to publish these writings. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 9

I have been instructed to publish the early experiences of the cause of present truth, showing why we stand, as we do, a people separate and distinct from the world. Few of the men who led out in the proclamation of the message are now living; but I have kept in my diaries an account of many precious experiences. These are now being prepared for the press. Will some one loan me, at a low rate of interest, the means to help in doing this work that needs to be done in bringing these things before the people? While Satan is stirring up many to depart from the faith, I am bidden to republish the experiences of the past and give the message of warning God sends, showing the dangers of the present time and what will be in the future. 23LtMs, Ms 13, 1908, par. 10