| 140 to himself a book; for in so doing they will open an effectual door for spreading before the world other Books, which are very much desired.
The authorities of the church here, having taken this subject into consideration, and viewing he importance of Publishing a Hymn Book, and a more extensive quantity of the Books of Mormon, and also the necessity of Publishing the new translation of the scriptures, which has so long been desired by the Saints; have appointed, and authorized Samuel Bent and Geo. W. Harris, as traveling agents, to make contracts and receive monies [moneys] &c. for the accomplishment of this glorious work. They are truly responsible men, men in whom we repose confidence; their operations will be relied upon. We would advise our Patrons, and the saints in general to act the liberal part in subscribing and paying in advance for these valuable works; they will prove to be more than an equivalent to the lucrative, for they will benefit the soul, whereas riches will only serve to corrode and canker it.
Question. If every friend to the cause of apostolic christianity, would subscribe and pay in advance for the above mentioned books, (so small a sum that it would not be missed,) how long would it be before there would be an abundance of means to accomplish the whole work? The best way to answer this, is by example.
As there has been some complaining that our papers are not received regular by our mail subscribers, we would just observe that our patrons may rest assured that we have spared no pains in preparing our papers for the mail, but we have taken extra pains to wrap them strong and snug, and directed them with a plain hand; and why they should not be received we know not, one thing we do know, and that is this: "Mormonism" has excited a great deal of curiosity in the world, and there are thousands of people, who have an itching disposition to know all about the matter, but dare not subscribe for the paper, for fear their priests will turn them out of the synegogue [synagogue], and they be counted as heritics [heretics]. It would be pleasing if such individuals would, after reading, send them along to the lawful owners.
Letters have been flooding the Post Office of late, directed to us with the Postage unpaid; the principle part of which will of necessity, be remailed for Washington. All letters to us for the future, will not receive attention unless the Postage is PAID.
Our subscription for one year is one dollar in advance: a letter comes requesting the paper for one year, containing $1; Postage 25 cents, in the course of three months the second letter makes its appearance, requesting the paper to be directed to another Post Office: Postage 25 cents. After a short time a paper gets miscarried and one number is missing; the subscriber anxious to keep the volume complete, sends the third letter requesting the last No. Postage 25 cents. The fourth letter comes lumbering along in a few days requesting the paper to be stoped [stopped] at the office as he is about to move into the place: Postage 25 cents. The next letter that comes has a silver dollar, to pay for the paper one year; excess of Postage 75 cents. How do you think printers can live?
We have given in this No. the affidavits of men of known integrity, concerning the outragious [outrageous] kidnapping transaction, and the enforcing of gag
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