Books and Tracts

The proper circulation and distribution of our publications, is one of the most important branches of the present work. But little can be done without this. And our ministers can do more in this work than any other class of persons. It is true that many of our preachers, a few years since, were carrying the matter of the sale of books too far. Some of them not only added to their stock of publications which they held for sale, publications of little real value, but they also united with their business, articles of merchandise, some of these of little real value.T14 71.1

But some of our ministers now take an extreme view of what I said in No. 11, upon the sale of our publications. One in the State of New York, upon whom the burdens of labor do not rest heavily, who had acted as agent, holding a good assortment of publications, decided to sell no more, and wrote to the Office, stating that the publications were subject to their order. This is wrong. Here I will give an extract from No. 11:T14 71.2

“The burden should not rest upon ministers, laboring in word and doctrine, to enter into the sale of publications. Their time and strength should be held in reserve, that their efforts may be thorough in a series of meetings. Their time and strength should not be drawn upon to become salesmen, when the books can be properly brought before the public by some who have not the burden of preaching the word resting upon them. In entering new fields, it may be necessary for the minister to take publications with him, to offer for sale to the people; and it may be necessary in some other circumstances also to sell books and transact business for the Office of publication. But such work should be avoided whenever it can be done by others.”T14 71.3

The first portion of this extract is qualified by the last part. To be a little more definite, my views of this matter are, that these ministers, such as Elders Andrews, Waggoner, White, and Loughborough, who have the oversight of the work, consequently have an extra amount of care, burden, and labor, should not add to their burdens the sale of our publications, especially at tent meetings and at General Conferences. The view was given to correct those who at such meetings so far came down from the dignity of their work as to spread out before the crowd, merchandise which had no connection with the work.T14 72.1

Our ministers who enjoy a comfortable state of health, may with the greatest propriety, at proper times, engage in the sale of our important publications. Especially does the sale and circulation of such works as have recently been urged upon the attention of our people, claim vigorous efforts for them at this time. In four weeks, on our tour in the Counties of Gratiot, Saginaw, and Tuscola, my husband sold, and gave to the poor, $400 worth. He first set the importance of the books before the people; then they were ready to take them as fast as he, with several to help him, could wait upon them.T14 72.2

Why do not our brethren send in their pledges on the book and tract fund more liberally? And why do not our ministers take hold of this work in earnest. Our people should see that these works are just what is needed to help those who need help. Here is a chance to invest in the blessed plan of liberality. Men can sometimes be read nearly as plainly as we read books. There are those among us who put from $100 to $1000 or more into the Health Institute, who pledge from $5 to $25 in the great enterprise of publishing books, pamphlets, and tracts, setting forth truths which have to do with eternal life. One was supposed to be a paying investment. The other is supposed, as we might judge from the littleness of the pledges of donation, to be lost.T14 73.1

We shall not hold our peace upon this subject. Our people will come up to the work. The means will come. And we would say to those who are poor and want books, Send in your orders, with a statement of your condition as to this world's goods. We will send you the packages of books, containing four volumes of Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, Appeal to Youth, Appeal to Mothers, Sabbath Readings, and the two large charts, with key of explanation. If you have a part of these books, state what you have, and we will send other books in their places, or send only of these such as you have not. Send 50 cents to pay the postage, and we will send you the $5 package, and charge the fund $4.T14 73.2

In this charitable book matter, all must act upon the great plan of liberality, such as is carried out in the publication and sale of the American Bibles and American Tracts. In many respects the course of these mammoth Societies are worthy of imitation. Liberality is seen in wills and donations. And it is carried out in sales and donations of Bibles and tracts. Seventh-day Adventists should be as far ahead of these in the book matter as in other things. God help us. Our tracts should be offered, by the hundred, at what they cost, leaving a little margin to pay packing, or wrapping for the mail, and directing. And ministers and people should engage in the circulation of books, pamphlets, and tracts, as they have never done. Sell where people can, and are willing to, purchase, and where they are not, give them.T14 74.1

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