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FORM OF A BEQUEST

“I bequeath to my executor (or executors) the sum of ——­ dollars, in trust, to pay the same in ——­ days after my decease to the person who, when the same is payable, shall act as Treasurer of the ’American Missionary Association,’ of New York City, to be applied, under the direction of the Executive Committee of the Association, to its charitable uses and purposes.”  The Will should be attested by three witnesses.

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THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY.

VOL.  XLIV.  JANUARY, 1890.  NO. 1.

AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.

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NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS.

The New Year opens upon this Association auspiciously.  The setting sun of our old year went down in a bright sky.  Revivals of religion and an increased membership was the joyful record of our churches; by the generous aid of the Daniel Hand Fund, our schools showed a greatly enlarged attendance, and the faithful work of the teachers brought forth most satisfactory results; the threatened debt that darkened several months of the year was happily averted by good showing on the right side of the ledger.

It is from this bright setting sun of the last year that we turn with faith and hope to the opening of the new year.  We believe, the work is the Lord’s and that he will provide.  But our faith alone will not save us.  It is our duty to inform and arouse our constituents as to the needs and urgency of our work.  We will specify in a few particulars: 

1.  As to funds.  Our last year’s favorable showing was due in large part to legacies.  These are variable, and we must rely on the gifts of living donors.  Unless, therefore, the churches and individuals make larger contributions than last year, we have no assurance of an escape from debt, even if the work be maintained merely as at present.  We wish most earnestly to press this fact upon the friends of the Association.

2.  But this is not all.  Growth is imperative.  The people at the North are alarmed by the disturbed condition of the South, and are awakening afresh, as they were at the close of the war, to a sense of responsibility to the colored people.  The aroused feeling at that time took a practical turn, and money, men and women were sent without stint to enlighten and elevate.  Shall it be so now, or will mere sympathy or useless regret suffice?  No!