Advent and Sabbath Tracts.
By Editor
WE now design publishing a series of Tracts, with the above general title, embracing the reasons of the faith and hope of the body of Christians called Second Advent Sabbath-keepers. We have in contemplation twelve or fifteen numbers, from thirty-two to one hundred pages each. The state of the cause of present truth, we think, demands of us this effort, at this time. The number of efficient laborers now in the wide field, who are able to set the truth before the people, is indeed small; and they have so many calls to preach the word that they cannot generally remain in one place a sufficient length of time to give a full course of lectures. It is, therefore, of the highest importance that preaching brethren should have with them, publications covering the whole ground of our faith, to supply the people where an interest is awakened by their labors. After an interest is awakened by public lectures, the mind is prepared to read with profit, and learn the truth more perfectly. The field of labor is so extensive, and faithful, judicious laborers are so few, that much of the great work before us must be accomplished by publications. Small tracts are most generally called for, and most faithfully read; but in many cases it would be much better to have the main reasons of our faith in one or two volumes. We shall therefore publish this series of Tracts, each containing a separate subject, to suit the mass of readers; then, when the series is completed, bind a portion of the whole series in one or two volumes. Number One of this series is ready. It is a Tract of thirty-two pages, entitled, The First day of the Week Not the Sabbath of the Lord. It is a most thorough refutation of the claims of Sunday-keeping to divine authority. It contains extracts from Catholic works, showing that Sunday-keeping is based only on the tradition and authority of the Roman Catholic Church. It also contains an excellent extract from J. W. Morton's Vindication of the True Sabbath, showing the falsity of the view that the fourth commandment requires only a seventh part of the time, instead of the seventh day. This Tract is printed with new type, on good paper—price, $1,00 per 100—25 cents per doz.—3 cents a copy—postage, one cent. With the increased price of paper, press-work, (most of which we have to hire done,) and the increase of other expenses, this will leave little or nothing for the author, who should be remembered. The author of our most carefully written publications has received nothing for many months of study and close confinement in preparing them, which has injured his health much. Friends of the present truth, forget not the labors of such, while you may be enjoying the evening prayer-meeting, or the social circle of christian friends, they are taxing the energies of the mind to the utmost, and, perhaps, continue their toil several hours after you are asleep. It is designed that this series of Tracts shall be prepared in the most careful manner, that positions taken may be unanswerable. Those who prepare them must have books, and they have other expenses to meet, as well as men otherwise employed. Those therefore who wish to help in this important work, are invited, after examining new works, to forward their free-will offerings to this Office for the benefit of such. And especially remember the author of the Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, Refutation of the Claims of Sunday-keeping, and many excellent reviews. Those who are indebted to this Office for books will confer a favor by sending the pay at their earliest convenience. Those who order books will please send the money with the order if possible. This series of Tracts will cost about $2000. As we go forward in this enterprise, we shall expect the prompt assistance of the friends of the cause.