The precious cause of Truth, we trust, unites us in one common bond of fellowship and interest for the good of suffering humanity, and for this cause we now make an earnest appeal in behalf of our little paper, the " Journal of Christian Science, which calls loudly today for support, and must have it too, at once, or go down. Because of great press of care and labor (which we all know must be the case) our beloved teacher, and able editor, Mrs. Eddy, feels obliged to give this part of her work into other hands, it being the only thing, according to her superior judgment, that she can drop. The students, meanwhile, are realizing the great need of making the Journal a monthly publication, the price to remain $1.00 per year as heretofore, thereby striving to gain an increased number of subscribers, which for this present year count but little over 400 names. To do this will necessitate the services and full time of a competent person to take charge of the same, and that one, too, from out our own ranks; one whose spiritual thought will strike the key-note of Truth—Divine Science—every time, and ring it out with trumpet sound through every column, to waken, if possible, the slumberers from their dream of life in matter into the conscious sense of spiritual existence and health. It rests with the students who have been educated in the Truth, and called of God to be faithful stewards of the same, to decide whether its publication shall cease or continue. Let us ask ourselves: Do we realize what wondrous love the Father hath bestowed upon us whose privilege it has been to gain in Spirit the glorious understanding of Mrs. Eddy's explanation of the Truth that heals and saves, God-given to her for us and the world? If so, shall we not be willing in this hour of extremity to make an earnest effort, yea. sacrifice if need be, to hold up to man this blessed "torch Divine?" We feel assured you will agree with us, and answer, " Yes, it must and shall be done." There may arise some question as to what may be the future outlook and promise relative to the "proceeds" from this enterprise, and while this may be all natural, and we virtually accept the practicability of the position, are we any the less called of God at this hour to bridge over the interval of its non-self-support, by the measure herein suggested, and thus carry it forward until such time as may be favorable to determine as to the appropriation of " proceeds," whenever they do appear? We believe it to be the duty-call of every student to come forward and stand shoulder to shoulder in this struggle, and see what we can accomplish under God toward keeping this, "lamp of Truth " burning; for if through neglect of duty it shall go out from before the thought of our fellow-men, so that they see not the " Way of Life " to walk therein, will not their " blood be required at our hands? "
The cost of publishing the paper, etc., amounts to about $45.00 per 1,000 copies, and there is but little over $50.00 in the Treasury,—about what will cover the expense of the present issue, provided it be limited to 1,000 copies. We have had more than that struck off in several issues, which contained important information to the public, and may account for the low balance in the treasury at this time. We are induced to make this strenuous appeal for help, through the anxious solicitations of our dear teacher, Mrs. Eddy, upon whom has rested this heavy burden in addition to other magnanimous duties which demand her thought. We will add that the task of Editing and Publishing the Paper has been self-imposed up to this time, and now she awaits relief from us.
The method heretofore adopted in gaining subscriptions has been for each student or friend to subscribe for a certain number of papers, paying for them in advance (they getting subscribers to take them off their hands as they might be able.) This plan has generally worked well. But remember, we want subscribers as well as money.
