7. Retirement Benefits for Ministers and Their Families

“Many workers have gone into the grave heartbroken, because they had grown old, and could see that they were looked upon as a burden. But had they been retained in the work, and given an easy place, with a whole or part of their wages, they might have accomplished much good. During their term of labor, these men have done double labor. They felt so heavy a burden for souls that they had no desire to be relieved of overwork. The heavy burdens borne shortened their lives. The widows of these ministers are never to be forgotten, but should, if necessary, be paid from the tithe.”—Ms 82, 1904; Manuscript Releases 1:189.EGWCUTF 19.4

On February 24, 1911, E. R. Palmer wrote Ellen White describing the details of the newly adopted sustentation plan. He stated, “Each of our conferences contributes five percent of its tithes to the Sustentation Fund.”EGWCUTF 19.5

Ellen White responded: “I was pleased to receive a letter from you, as one who has been appointed to act a part in the distribution of the sustentation fund.... It is right that sure plans be laid for the support of our aged workers, or the younger workers who are suffering because of overwork.”—Letter 10, 1911; MR 193.EGWCUTF 19.6