THE PAPER.—It may be our duty to say a few words relative to the course we have pursued in sending out the paper. When we began to publish we had but a very small list of names; in fact but few indeed, were then interested in the present truth. We thought best to send the paper to all, whose names were sent in by the brethren, without price. Thus we have continued to do, and God has blessed the effort, far beyond our expectations. But very few papers have been returned, and most every mail brings some new names for our list. Some, however, to whom we send the paper without money or price, seem to manifest quite a sour disposition; but in these days of discord and war, among those who reject the present truth, we may expect to be treated unkindly by some at least. But the cheering accounts, from the brethren, of the work of the Lord, and the spread of truth, fill us with joy, and urge us on in our present work.
Our object in sending out the paper gratuitously has been, that it might immediately be put into the hands of ALL who would read it with candor. The “Publishing Committee” are all of them destitute of means of their own, therefore, those who are interested in the spread of truth, and are benefited by the publications, will see that the pleasure and blessing of sustaining this cause is theirs. The brethren in this State are generally poor. None in this vicinity own a foot of land, a house, or even a horse. But the cause of publishing has been freely and fully sustained. There has been no lack the year past. God has opened the hearts of a few of the friends of the cause. Some who have no other means to sustain their families and the cause than day labor, have done much. A zeal for the truth is kindled in some hearts that will not be checked, and the cause will be sustained.
But, we ask, is it right that a few self-sacrificing souls should bear the whole expense, and share the whole blessing? Our readers will all answer, that it is not. Mark this: we do not speak of want. If this was any other than the cause of God, we then might have to urge appeal after appeal for help, as is done in other papers. More than a score of brethren have said to us, “If you need means, just let me know it and you shall have it.” But shall we call on such free hearted brethren while three-fourths of those who read the Review and Herald have done nothing to support it? We think we should not. We shall therefore expect these who have fully embraced the present truth, and who have not aided in this work, to help us as the Lord has prospered them.—We do not expect help from those who are not fully with us in the present truth; but those who are, will not neglect their duty. W.