CLOSING ITEMS by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 30, 1857

CLOSING ITEMS.

By Editor

WE this week present our readers with the index of another completed volume. The field to which the reader's attention has been invited is a large one; the truths which have been presented are important: we trust they have made an impression which will be lasting on many hearts.

It is proper that we at this time make a few statements concerning the condition of the paper. We are happy to be able to make statements, which, as they are encouraging to ourselves, will also be gratifying to the tried and zealous friends of truth. We make no allowance now for those who have earnestly been wishing our downfall, and who behold with sorrow anything which indicates the prosperity of the cause we love. We would only remind them that any work which is the work of God, cannot be overthrown.

Our friends have well done the past year, in that they have, by their liberality, annihilated the debts which had accumulated upon the Office, and to a great degree have been prompt in renewing their subscriptions, so that the REVIEW now stands forth free from debt and unembarrassed. Every friend of truth can but be gratified at this result; and doubtless all desire that it may continue to be thus situated. How then can this be effected? The first thing necessary to this end, is that all remember that no efforts may be relaxed, but rather new ones put forth. From henceforward to the kingdom, as it is in private experience, so it will be with the outward prosperity of the cause, and the support of all those means whereby the truth is publicly sustained—it will be uphill continually, a continual rowing against wind and tide. No efforts then may be given over. Let every true soldier, therefore, who has enlisted for the whole war, put on a little more armor, and gird what he has on a little tighter; for there is before us a heavy battle, though short, and then "the victor's palm, and conqueror's crown."

The paper would support itself, could all who receive it make remittance, according to its published terms. But we have upon our list one hundred and fifty-four who receive the paper at half price, and about seventy to whom we send it free. This leaves a deficiency in the course of a year, of about $294; and we may expect besides to lose a sum of between two and three hundred from those who, though entered as paying subscribers, fail to answer these expectations. This deficiency will have to be made up by donations from the special friends of the cause. There will then be no embarrassment in the work, if each one, so far as able, will keep his own subscription good, and as the Lord hath prospered him, make donations "For REVIEW to Poor." The bare mention of these things will of course be sufficient.

There is another enterprise, which has been carried forward the past year in a manner which we cannot forbear to notice. We mean the Church Book Fund. While the REVIEW has been freed from debt and promptly sustained, means have been freely pledged for the Book business. The whole amount pledged is $1343,86. Of this $1067,75 have been paid in, leaving $276,11 still due. This we hope will be forthcoming that the Fund may be completed as soon as possible. The sales of books since they became the property of the Church, amount to $670,31.

We have received, since this volume commenced, two hundred and thirty-nine new subscribers. During the same time one hundred and twenty-nine have discontinued; and we have stopped at our own discretion, one hundred and one more, from whom we had given up all hopes of hearing. While this leaves us no great increase in numbers, it is nevertheless no small gain to our list; for whereas we have heard nothing from those we have stopped, those that have been added are mostly paying subscribers, and thorough converts to the present truth.

Number one of volume ten, will be issued May 7th. The field of truth which we are exploring is broad, and intensely important; and we trust that through the blessing of Heaven, and the co-operation of all our brethren, the REVIEW may be such a paper as no one who wishes light on the crowning truths of revelation, the purposes of God, and the destiny of the world, will be willing or content to do without.