THE COMMITTEE have spoken in regard to the condition of the Office, and it is thought best to occupy but little space with statements in regard to financial matters; but it may be our duty to make a brief statement at this time. Nearly three years since, we came to this City to establish the Press with only $15. At that time there were no friends in this vicinity able to assist us, and we were almost entirely destitute of every thing to commence house-keeping. Those who then joined us in this enterprise toiled for no more than food and clothing. Their deprivations at times, and their toils were not small. Prices for the REVIEW, and for Tracts, were fixed upon in accordance with this arrangement. The care of a large family, and of the REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and Tracts, has fallen principally on us. In this time we have travelled and labored in the churches about one third of the time. This amount of care and labor, together with protracted sickness and deaths in our family, has brought us very near the grave. In this prostrated condition we have been saddened with pecuniary embarrassment, and the unreasonableness of "false brethren." Our usual hours of confinement to our business in past time have been from 14 to 18 out of the 24. This has well nigh ruined our health, and we cannot expect a tolerable state of health without a complete change in many respects. We are resolved on this change, even if we leave the Office entirely. We hope to live, and, if possible, yet do some little good in the world. Had we a constitution, that could endure care and toil, we would cheerfully wear it out in the holy cause of Bible truth; but having worn out a good constitution in this cause, we can now hope for no more, than that by rest, and care, with the blessing of God, we may yet be able to do something. When we consented to take charge of the REVIEW, it was with the hope that a Financial Committee would relieve us of much care. Since that hope perished, we have hoped that some one of the Lord's stewards would own the Office, and with his Lord's money manage the interests of the publishing department; but we are still left with the whole burden upon us. Without capital, and without health, we cannot much longer bear the burden. We have decided,
1. To take all proper means for the recovery of health, such as proper rest from care, and exercise in the open air.
2. To be free from the care of a large family. In that case the hands in the Office will have to pay the usual prices of board elsewhere, and receive more wages. This will increase the cost of the REVIEW and the price of Tracts. The proper time for this arrangement will be the first of April.
3. To get free from debts as soon as possible, and keep free. Although the Office is $1000 in debt, we hope the sales of Books the coming Spring and Summer will do much to clear it. It was with the expectation that all the friends of truth would pay for the REVIEW in advance, and that a Tract Fund would be raised in different States, that we were induced to run in debt. But we are sorry to say that only about one-third of our Western subscribers have paid, excepting some portions of Michigan, and the Tract Fund has proved almost a failure. We cannot take such responsibilities, and run risks, as we have done. It would have been impossible to have continued our business, had we not received especial aid from brethren, especially some in Michigan and Vermont. They have our warmest gratitude for their real friendship in time of distress and need.
We cannot close our remarks without introducing the case of Bro. J. N. Andrews, who has been more or less connected with the REVIEW Office. But few persons have any idea of his sacrifices, and present discouragements. For the last four years he has given himself exclusively to preaching and writing. His love and zeal for the truth, and for the salvation of souls, has been such, that he has toiled on, day and night, with little regard for health, till several times he has been brought so low that we could have but little hope of his recovery. He is pennyless and feeble, (though attention to his situation, with proper hours of study and exercise is improving his health.) He now thinks of returning to Maine in a few weeks, to labor with his hands, hoping to regain his health and sustain himself. His father is one of the poor of this world, and quite infirm, and his only brother a cripple. Judge of our feelings to see a dear brother, a fellow-laborer, with whom we have toiled side by side for years, placed in his situation.
We appeal to the Lord's stewards in our brother's behalf. He should have a steady boarding-place, where he can be surrounded with all those means necessary to the recovery of183health. He should have (and must have to be useful) a suitable library. To you who know his able defense of the truth, and have been benefitted by his writings, we appeal for help. The attention of those in the morning of life, who enjoy the blessing of health, we especially call to the situation of our dear brother. He has toiled so incessantly for your salvation that he is broken down at the age of 25. It must be a pleasure to you to sacrifice something to help one who has so cheerfully labored for you. His sacrifices have been great. Relatives have offered to give him a collegiate education free, or place him in a situation to acquire wealth; but these he refused, to follow in the despised path of Bible truth. Bro. Andrews is ever opposed to our speaking in his behalf, but we have felt called upon to introduce his situation in this manner, though it be without his knowledge. And here we would say, that from money sent in to relieve the Office, $50 shall be given to Bro. Andrews. Let others give as the Lord hath prospered them, and it shall be acknowledged in the REVIEW.