p. 110 | LETTERS by David Arnold

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Mar 23, 1852

LETTERS.

By David Arnold

From Bro. Arnold.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: While reading the call for the friends to write and express their views on the subject of the Paper, I felt that perhaps it was my duty to express my views as a humble tribute to the cause I so much love.

While I review the wonderful work the Lord has wrought for me and mine, in bringing us to hear and love the everlasting gospel, leading us out from the influence of a fallen church, to receive with joy and gladness the third angel's message, I can but feel a prompting of soul to lend my feeble instrumentality to carry to others what has proved to me of such infinite value.

The scattering far and wide, to all "that have ears to hear" the present truth contained in the "commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ," I fully believe is now the great work that engages the attention of the heavenly host, and for the accomplishment of which the mighty arm of the Lord is specially stretched out.

Shall we then who have been so signally favored of God as to be brought into the clear light of revelation which now shines through the "open door," join with the heavenly host as willing and obedient instruments on earth to carry forward this great work. Shall we unite our hearts, our tongues, our pens, our influence and our money too, to accomplish this last crowning work of carrying these sanctifying truths to every "jewel" that can be found and fitted for the "casket;" or shall we like misers rejoice that we are blest with these glorious truths, treasure them up in our hearts, lock up our purses (perhaps containing thousands) and leave the poor of the flock to sacrifice all these, and with their hard earnings by daily labor to carry forward this last work of salvation for the scattered and torn of God's people.

Let such be assured that they will not be "gathered with those who have made a covenant by sacrifice." Let it also be remembered that a mere surplus, after a gratification of all our wants cannot be a sacrifice such as Christ required of the young man in the gospel, and nothing less is required of us now, that we may "inherit eternal life."

In this matter three questions seem to be presented. First, shall we have a press, workmen, and office of our own, or at our control? Second, where shall it be located? Third, how often shall the paper be issued. Perhaps from my limited knowledge I am poorly fitted to give any advice on these points. I will however venture a few suggestions.

First. It appears to me that it would be pleasing to Him who "owns the cattle upon a thousand hills," to have his truth published from a press, by hands, and through an office that could be brought to bow in strict obedience to the fourth commandment.

Second. In reference to the location, a few considerations present themselves. It should be central so that each extremity of the field of labor can be reached with as little delay and expense as possible. It should also be ready of access to steam conveyances.

Third. To me it appears that the requirement to "exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching," and the extended and extending demand for the present truth calls for a weekly issue of the paper.

Your brother in tribulation, praying for the prosperity of Zion, DAVID ARNOLD. Fulton, N. Y., March 7th, 1852.