My Dear Sir: —Since I last wrote to you I have opened a shop for the sale of publications. I have displayed the Herald conspicuously in the window, placing it open at such pages as present captions of your most interesting articles on the aspect of European affairs. I could have sold the numbers so displayed over and over again, had they been for sale; but have not succeeded in inducing any to become subscribers.

The present aspect of affairs is auspicious of events that will doubtless usher in the Kingdom of God. The signs of the times are most significative and unmistakable to the believer. Hence I consider it the duty of all who have a knowledge of the truth (or at least those of us who profess to have) to do what we can to shed a ray of light into the surrounding darkness; and believing as I do that the Herald contains more light on the Bible than any other work known to me extant, I feel anxious to promote its welfare as far as my humble endeavours can do it.

I was sorry to see in Number One of last year’s volume, that you considered yourself settled in Mott Haven till the Lord comes, if spared so long. I had hoped that circumstances might have induced you to come to England again; for I feel persuaded that were you here you would be much more instrumental in doing good service for the truth than you can possibly be in the United States. Here everybody is interested in what is taking place on the Continent; and it does appear to me, were you in England, and could go through the length and breadth of the land, you would awaken among the intelligent and thinking such a spirit of inquiry after the truth, that you scarcely could have done when here before, as such minds are now more susceptible of impressions than they were four or five years ago. Your Elpis Israel and lectures, together, with several pamphlets; as: The Coming Struggle, Destiny of Human Governments in the Light of Scripture, from your own pen, and other works, have been extensively circulated, and have stirred up such an inquiry after truth as you can scarcely conceive. Hence some of the clergy have begun to preach on these subjects; but what few I have heard as yet have made but a very sorry affair of it; in fact, I should consider their effort worthless.

I have thought that as the present edition of Elpis Israel is all sold, it would be a good opportunity for you to pay another visit to England, when you might obtain a goodly number of subscribers for a reprint, and the Herald. I merely suggest the idea.

I sent you recently a copy of the Illustrated London News, in which you will perceive extracts from the "Blue Books," now before Parliament, testifying to the truthfulness of your exposition of the prophecy concerning the Frog Power. I also send you another copy of The Truth-Promoter, containing the only reply John Bowes has inserted to your article in the Herald. I may just add for your information that he is a sort of leader among the Plymouth Brethren, devoting the greatest part of his time in lecturing among them, and editing The Truth Promoter; and is generally considered a straight forward, honest, but meddling kind of man: but in my opinion he has acted very unfairly in not inserting your article in The Truth Promoter as you did his in the Herald, so that people might form their own conclusions, instead of his doing so dor himself and them. It appears very much like an endeavour to make himself popular at your expense by wilfully suppressing truth when he is unable to refute it.

I remain, Yours in hope of the kingdom,

GEORGE HATFIELD.

67 Hill Street, Birmingham; March 13, 1854.

REMARKS.

When in Britain, I stated that I proposed to myself to revisit England in about three years, as I expected by that time some of my interpretations would be notably verified; and I could then lecture upon the gospel of the kingdom with more effect, being able to point to the verifications in evidence of my being entitled to grave and respectful attention, when I should undertake to prove from Scripture what a man must believe and do for salvation in opposition to all the empirical gospels of benighted "Christendom." The hearing I obtained in Britain was on a large scale; but the doctrine broached was so new, that the multitude listened with incredulity. I am aware that the truth would make a more lively impression now; yet I do not think my time has come for a second visit. The people indeed are in high excitement; but they are so bewitched with the idea of an easy and speedy overthrow of the Autocrat that they would scarcely listen with patience to one who should undertake to show them that the reverse of all their expectations is decreed of heaven.

The Frog-excited spirits are to "work miracles;" that is, to bring about wonderful or unexpected belligerent and political results. At present things do not appear very propitious for the Czar. But appearances are deceptive; and it will be found that he will become great and successful above them all. What are the proud fleets of Tarshish before Jehovah’s whirlwind from the east? Maritime disasters would place the sword of Germany in the mouth of Russia. The Anglo-French fleets are powerful, but not omnipotent; and my conviction is, that more is expected of them than they will be able to perform. The Ottoman empire cannot be preserved; for it is an element of the 1290 years, abomination which is doomed to be destroyed. The drying up then of the Euphratean, whose integrity is guaranteed by the West, must therefore end in the failure of France and England. When people see this, they may be still more disposed than at present to give attention to what may be said; it is necessary therefore still to abide the time.

In visiting England again, I shall be anxious to do so without hindrance to our endeavours here. The information conveyed by the Herald is the only aid received by a wide dispersion, enabling it to discern the steadily advancing crisis of the world. It is desirable, therefore, that it should not be suspended for their sakes. But I see no prospect of visiting England this year; and what may be next, is more than any of us can tell.

Mr. John Bowes’ policy is that invariably adopted by editors when they feel weak. If he could have rent my article to shreds and patches, it would have been paraded before his readers with a great flourish of trumpets; but its suppression is an admission that it is unanswerable, and that consequently "the least said the soonest mended!" My friend will please send me his Truth Promoter as often as he sees fit. The Illustrated News has arrived, but not The Truth Promoter. I am much obliged. The "News" was very interesting and acceptable.

April 4, 1854. EDITOR.

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