THE new hymn book has not been commenced for several reasons:—
1. We have been from the Office much of the time since we mentioned its publication. The calls for labor in different parts have been urgent, and we have acted under a sense of duty in complying with a few of these calls.
2. There has been sickness in our family, and with some of the hands in the Office, so that the REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and other book work has been as much as could be managed.
3. Want of means is a most obstinate difficulty. Those interested in the cause of Bible truth have deeply felt the want of publications covering the entire ground of our faith and hope. Several brethren have placed means in our hands (not requiring interest) amounting to from five hundred to one thousand dollars, which we have expended in the publication of Tracts and Pamphlets, noticed in our list of publications.
Now if our friends will pay for the REVIEW in advance, and order publications, and send the pay with the order, we can still go on with the publication of new and important works, and immediately commence the publication of the hymn book. But unless they do, we cannot.
Brethren, this matter is left with you to decide. We have no anxiety in regard to it only to do the will of the Lord. Hitherto you have freely sustained us in our work, and for the future we design to go forward with the publication of those unpopular truths, so dear to us, as fast as the way opens before us.
Should we commence now, it would probably be four or five months before the hymn book would be completed. We have on hand a few copies of "Advent and Sabbath Hymns" which we can furnish to those who wish, as long as they last. We shall publish the new hymn book as soon as possible. The delay will give ample time for those interested in it, to furnish hymns, original or select.