REMARKS on the above may be proper. We would here state that our mind rests upon the West as the great field of successful labor. The experienced friends of the cause are few in the West; but the few, with the special blessing of God, can accomplish much, provided they put forth extra efforts. The time is not far distant when in the West there will be a valiant host to help forward the cause of truth by one united effort with their means and their prayer. Then means will be plenty; doubtless there will be more than can be judiciously used for the Lord. But at the present time the friends of the cause should, we think, spare neither labor nor means, to put forth efforts to spread the truth in the West, and thus commence in earnest the great work in the West.
It is true that the infant cause in the West has been chilled by the Age to Come, and the flock scattered, and the friends of the Third Message there saddened by its dire influence, but better days have already come. The leaders have run from one heretical sentiment to another till the candid are losing confidence in them. And judging by the course others have taken, we should not be surprised to hear that they had given up the Lord's Sabbath. Such men cannot long hinder the work of God.
We wish here to remark particularly upon the importance of teaching those who have just commenced to keep the Lord's Sabbath, to delay not to do their whole duty. As they begin to walk in the path of duty, lead them along over the whole road as laid out in the scriptures. Then is the time they can easiest consecrate all they have to the Lord. But if they do not learn this lesson, the world will again call their undivided attention, and they soon lose their interest in the cause of truth. Are they christians? then let them learn fast what God at this time requires of christian. They are safe only walking the christian road.
Those who take their stand on the side of the Lord's Sabbath, should become at once permanent subscribers of the REVIEW, that they may have this means of instruction in the path of duty. They would gladly pay their own way in this cause, and help others too, if they were faithfully taught their duty. But we have observed that where books, as well as the REVIEW, have been given to some individuals, by brethren who have abundance of this world, the influence on them has been bad. They receive the idea that they have nothing to do in the work but to read and hear. They do not think of the editor, the printer and the preacher—how they live—what supports them. It is our solemn conviction that in most cases a fair compensation should be required for our publications. And it is a fact that most people, especially those we hope to benefit, would choose to pay for them. Publications would be thought less of if urged upon them without pay. We would here recommend the plan on which Eld. Himes acted in the first Message. He offered all his books for sale before immense audiences, and stated that if there were those present not prepared to purchase, they could have them free, as he was anxious all should read who wished to learn the reasons of their faith and hope.
We hope that Bro. Hart's propositions will be responded to by every friend of the cause in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. God's providence has opened the way to spread the truth in the West, and he calls on you, dear brethren, to let your light shine. God grant that the last golden rays of the gospel sun, now setting, may blaze all over the West, and thousands of precious souls have their path way lit up to mount Zion.
We now hope to be able to spend the Autumn months in the West.