Twenty-five years since we commenced publishing unpopular Bible truth in New England. A small office was donated by the few friends of the cause, and located at Rochester, N. Y., in 1851, which was moved to Battle Creek, Mich., in 1855. Our first little sheet, entitled the Present Truth, was issued in old Middletown, Conn., 1849. The first volume of the Review and Herald was published at Paris, Me. For several years it was sent out gratis, and supported by donations from its few friends.
We commenced this work with neither means, patronage, nor publications. Its beginning was necessarily very humble and small; but God has raised up fellow-laborers and friends, and by his grace it has grown to respectable proportions, and great efficiency. We need not state that there have been difficulties to encounter, obstacles to overcome, and the most wearing toil and care upon the pioneers of the cause in bringing into existence our numerous and valuable publications, creating an extensive patronage, and finally in establishing a legally incorporated publishing association, which has a capital of not less than $85,000, besides what publishers call the "good will." This is the property of our people, to be conducted by officers of their annual choice. And, as we leave its advantages and unparalleled prosperity for others to enjoy and manage, we are able to report that it has cost our people, including their donations to it from the very first, in shares of stock they have taken, which are virtually donations, and a few legacies, less than $40,000. God has greatly blessed the labors and sacrifices of those who have devoted the best of their lives to this important work. And now they look back with devout gratitude for that grace that has sustained them in all their toils and sacrifice, in the battle of truth against error. "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say; if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they had swallowed us up quick."