It is proper at this time that we should state that as we have been from the Office about half of the time laboring in different States, that business matters of the Office, such as book-keeping, receipting money, mailing books and the REVIEW have been left wholly with others. It was not possible to attend to these things when absent, and we have had no time to attend to them when at home by reason of other duties and cares. Some blame us much for mistakes made at the Office, and manifest but little patience and forbearance; but this we shall try to bear in a Christian manner, also we shall try to bear with the almost daily blunders and inaccuracies of our correspondents. If business matters could be put on a sheet by themselves, and plainly stated, it would be laid at once with other matters of the kind, and be promptly and correctly attended to. This we have repeatedly requested, but not one in ten regard the request. Business matters are often on the same leaf with a communication for the REVIEW, which sometimes gets into the printer's hands, and finally thrown among other papers before the business is attended to.13
We much regret that any mistakes should be made in the business of the Office; and, as we have said before, if our friends discover mistakes, and will inform us of such mistakes, we will correct them.
On our tour through Northern New York and Vermont, we find that the REVIEW has been discontinued to some who should receive it, and we conclude this may be the case in other States. Will the friends of the REVIEW inform us as soon as possible of all such mistakes within their knowledge? We also find that the REVIEW has been sent to others who not only neglect to pay for it, but have no interest in the truths it advocates.
We have spent about $500 yearly in sending the REVIEW to such, and to professed believers in the truth, who have entirely neglected their duty to us, and we shall do so no longer. The principles of the New Testament forbid such a course. We have been obliged to receive donations from the widow, and liberal donations from the poor day laborer to continue the REVIEW to the hundreds who have paid nothing. We have deprived ourselves of proper rest, and of many of the common comforts of this life, till we are broken down as to health, that we might send out the REVIEW richly laden with spiritual food for the flock of God. And now we meet with those who say they are poor and cannot pay for the REVIEW, yet they can go well dressed long distances to meetings, and spend several days. They have much leisure time, and perhaps are in the filthy health-destroying, God-dishonoring practice of using tobacco. Yes, too poor to help a brother send out the bread of heaven to the scattered flock; but have means enough to obtain tobacco, snuff and tea! Can the Holy Spirit dwell with such men and women? Who dare say, Yes? We say they are to be pitied. May Heaven pity them.