WORD FROM AFAR.
Geneva, Kane county, Ill.,
February 26th, 1852.
Beloved Brother Thomas:
After waiting anxiously to hear from you, or to receive the “Herald,” I got No. 1, of new volume this morning. I am very sorry to hear that your advocacy of the truth, in publishing the “Herald,” is endangered for the want of means. I would that it were in my power to materially assist you. If distance did not prevent, I would gladly devote a portion of time to either the composition or press work of the “Herald;” that being in my line of business. I can truly sympathise with you over delinquent subscribers, as for four years I published a weekly newspaper, and have now hundreds of dollars standing out, which will never be paid in. But I can scarcely estimate the callousness of that man’s conscience, who, after reading the “Herald,” neglects or refuses to pay the editor and publisher. He cannot be governed by christian principle, or even common honesty. We cannot do without the “Herald.” It ought not—it must not be discontinued; and yet we cannot expect you to do all the work, and at the same time suffer considerable loss; you have done this long enough. The “Herald” is the only medium, that I know of, through which the “Faith once delivered to the Saints” is strenuously contended for; and the only true “Millennial Harbinger,” published at the present time. The times in which we live seem to demand its continued existence; the wants of many disciples need supplying with its true and literal interpretations of the “sure word of prophecy,” and its beacon-fire is needed by many sincere inquirers after truth, at present groping their way through the darkened paths of mystic Babylon. Stir up your friends repeatedly—do it in every number. I am glad you do it occasionally; —do it oftener. They can bear it. Their minds need reminding of their duties and responsibilities. We are all liable to forget. The “cares of this life” are noxious weeds, very apt to choke even the good seed of the kingdom; they need the vigorous application of the hoe, and if you can bring such delinquents back to duty, it will be far better for them, than to be cut off as unprofitable servants.
The congregation here still continues to meet together every first day, for the purpose of attending to the “all things” commanded for them to do. We are increasing in knowledge, and I hope in the favour of our Lord Jesus Christ; but not much in numbers. The truth is unpalatable to many minds—especially those steeped in sectarianism—it is unpopular, and opposed to the “thinking of the flesh.” Since I wrote you last we have immersed several on a profession of their faith in the good news.
Hoping that an interest may be awakened in the minds of the believers of the “things of the Kingdom of God,” for the proper sustaining of the “Herald,” I subscribe myself, dear brother,
Yours in the Hope of Israel,
BENJAMIN WILSON.
