The Question of Enlargement.
By Editor
SINCE the appearance of the inquiry in No. 9, “What shall be done??” in reference to a further enlargement of the Review, the brethren have spoken promptly and quite generally on the subject. And while the project is under consideration, we shall be excused for devoting so much space to it in the paper. It is the uniform testimony that the paper has about doubled in value and interest since its present enlargement. This is easily accounted for. When the enlargement was first suggested in No. 13, Vol. xxviii, it was stated that an enlarged paper would probably “have an encouraging influence upon the cause; that it would stimulate all who are capable of writing for its columns, to greater exertions; and that the paper would come forth greatly improved, and filled with no less choice matter than at present.” The event has abundantly justified this prediction. The brethren and sisters have taken up their pens to second heartily this advance step on the part of the message. The Review has been furnished as never before with original matter, and new life and interest has been given to the paper. And now, since we are still crowded for room, we believe we should see still further improvement in this respect, by another enlargement of the paper, bringing it up to the size it should be. When we look at the shortness of time, the great work to be done, and the wants of the cause, it appears to be a foregone conclusion that the paper must be still further enlarged. The question of expense recurs. But this would hardly seem to be a ground of hesitation, when we look at the call for the enlargement on the part of the brethren, and their spontaneous pledges to do whatever is required to sustain it. There are many fold more calls for a further enlargement, than there were for the first; and what we publish is but an index of the whole; for no one has yet spoken against it. We, ourselves, abundantly feel that it is no time now to hesitate in any enterprise that cannot result otherwise than in the advancement of the message, and the upbuilding of the cause of present truth. If fifty cents were added to the price, bringing it up to $3.00 per year, and all our subscribers should pay it, the expense would be met. And who would not be willing to pay an amount a little less than one cent a week for four extra pages of reading matter weekly? But all cannot raise $3.00 per year; and none must be deprived of the paper because they cannot pay for it. And we believe the liberal friends of truth will be willing to see that all deficiency accruing from this source shall be met by donations. As for the truth, we know we have it. The Sabbath, sweet day of rest, glorious memorial of the Creator, attacked only with folly, down-trodden, despised, abused, will stand; and it must be heralded in trumpet tones through all the land. The message must go. And let us have a paper corresponding to the cause—the best cause in the world—in which we are engaged, and the magnitude of the work that devolves upon us.