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The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

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    An Unexpected Supply

    After Captain Bates had continued his work for half an hour, the impression came to him to go to the post-office, as there was a letter there for him. He went, and sure enough there was a letter. In those days the postage on letters was five cents and prepayment was optional. The writer of this letter had for some reason failed to pay the postage. And here again Captain Bates was humbled, as he was obliged to tell the postmaster, Mr. Drew, with whom he was well acquainted, that he could not pay the postage, as he had no money; but he said, “Will you let me see where it is from?” “Take it along,” said the postmaster, “and pay some other time.” “No,” said the captain, “I will not take the letter out of the office until the postage is paid.” While he had the letter in his hand, he said, “I am of the opinion that there is money in this letter,” and turning to the postmaster, he asked, “Will you please open it? If there is money in it you can take the postage out; if not, I will not read it.” The postmaster complied with his request, and lo! it contained a ten-dollar bill. He found, by reading, that the letter was from a person who said the Lord so impressed his mind that Elder Bates was in need of money that he hastened it to him; and in the haste he probably forgot to pay the postage.GSAM 252.2

    After paying the postage, he went to a provision store, bought a barrel of flour for $4, besides potatoes, sugar, and other necessary articles. When giving orders where they were to be delivered, he said, “Probably the woman will say they don’t belong there, but don’t you pay any attention to what she says; unload the goods on the front porch.”GSAM 253.1

    He then went to the printing office and made arrangements for publishing one thousand copies of a tract of about one hundred pages, with the understanding that as the copy was furnished the printers were to put it in type as rapidly as possible, sending proofs to him. He was to pay for the work as fast as he received the money, and the books were not to be taken from the office until the bills were all paid.GSAM 253.2

    Captain Bates knew well there was no money due him, but he felt it his duty to write this book, believing that the Lord would move on the hearts to send the money when it was needed. After purchasing paper, pens, etc., thus giving time for the household supplies to go in advance of him, he went to the head of the street leading to his house. On seeing that the articles were there, he went into the house by the back entrance, and seated himself again at his desk. Mrs. Bates came in and said excitedly, “Joseph, just look out on the front porch! Where did that stuff come from? A drayman came here and would unload it. I told him it didn’t belong here, but he would unload it.” “Well,” said Captain Bates, “I guess it’s all right.” “But,” said Mrs. Bates, “where did it come from?” “Well,” said the Captain, “the Lord sent it.” “Yes,” said Mrs. Bates, “the Lord sent it; that’s what you always say.” He then handed the letter to his wife, saying, “Read this, and you will know where it came from.” She read it, and again retired for another cry, but it was of a different character from the first; and on returning she humbly asked his pardon for her lack of faith.GSAM 253.3

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