The Review by J. M. A.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 13, 1866

The Review.

By J. M. A.

A FEW words concerning the interests of the Review, financially, seem to be in order at the present time. Our brethren, perhaps, need to be reminded occasionally of the fact that the publication of their paper, which they prize so highly each week, is attended with no trifling amount of expense. It should be borne in mind that we have not yet emerged from the period of high prices. The price of labor, paper, and all kinds of printing materials, is still exceedingly high, and no immediate prospect of abatement. In fact, paper manufacturers talk of still higher rates. Our present stock of paper is nearly exhausted, and soon we shall have to obtain another supply.

Our brethren should also understand that the price at which the Review has been published during three years of high prices ($2 a year), has not been sufficient to cover the expense of the same, to say nothing of our free list, and those who receive the paper at half price, and other unavoidable losses. Such extra expense has been in part generously met through the liberality of those who have donated toward the purchase of paper, and those who have chosen to pay at the rate of $3 a year.

As the Review has been sustained thus far at the rate established years ago, under the peaceful rule of low prices, we desire to let the price still remain unchanged, especially as we are very partial to free-will offerings.

Now in view of such facts we still feel like drawing moderately upon the liberality of our brethren in behalf of the Review Fund. Brethren, therefore, who feel like donating to this fund, and thus help carry on the good work of disseminating the present truth, have the privilege of manifesting the same in the usual way. And in this connection we can hardly avoid making a modest suggestion to all who feel willing and able to bear a proportionate share of the expense of publishing the Review during the present period of high prices, to follow the example of those of our brethren who pay at the rate of $3 a year. This plan seems more like equality than any other.

Should any be inclined to compare the Review, as to size and price, with other papers, and think that we suggest a high rate, they should first consider that the Review, unlike such other papers, does not engage in promiscuous advertising, which is a source of large profit and income. It advertises but one thing, namely, the present truth. And while our brethren must concede that this one item is of sufficient importance to engage the entire space of the Review each week, they should also bear in mind that in accordance with our rule and practice on this point, we cut off a source of large income that is realized by papers that make general advertising a part of their business.

But let it be understood that the terms of the Review are the same as heretofore. We only ask for free-will offerings. We feel confident, from the known liberality of our people, that the Review fund will be amply sustained. J. M. A.