p. 53 | PUBLICATIONS by Editor

Publishing Committee · Paris, Me. · Mar 1851

PUBLICATIONS.

By Editor

The calls for publications have probably increased ten fold the last six months. And it seems necessary that quite an amount of means should be immediately expended, not only in publishing new works on the present truth, but in getting out another edition of a number of works which are nearly exhausted. As there are but few laborers in the wide “harvest,” and in many places but few to hear the evidences of our position, publications must take the place, in a great measure, of lectures. The brethren that travel cannot tarry long enough, in each place they visit, to spread out before those who have “an ear to hear,” one half the Scripture evidence of our position; therefore they must have publications, containing an exposition of our views, to leave with those whose ears and hearts are open to the truth.

We have thought best to circulate all our publications gratuitously. But in doing so there are some things which are unpleasant and wrong which we will name. 1. A few devoted brethren and sisters have made liberal donations in order that the publications might, without money or price, be put into the hands of all those who would read them; while most of those who have been benefited by them have contributed nothing to defray the expenses of publishing. This is not right. Every brother and sister should be forward to do something, “as God has prospered” them. But as the publications are circulated free, and as a few whole-hearted servants of the Lord have sold worldly possessions, or have divided the small amount obtained by day labor, and have freely contributed, so that we have had no occasion to make any call for means, many entirely neglect their duty in this matter.

2. Some seem to use and distribute the publications as if they cost nothing, which is very likely to give the impression, to many, that they are of but little value, hardly worth reading. Therefore, in some cases, at least, they will not be so likely to accomplish good as if sold at a reasonable price. Here we will say, that the folding, stitching, wrapping, &c., has been done by those (some of feeble constitution, who have often labored till past midnight) who have had no other pay than the consciousness of having done what they could for the cause. It can but be a cause of grief to have the publications freely handed out, without price, to those where there is no possible hope of their doing good. Said Jesus, “Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

We cannot refrain from urging the necessity of having these things, which are unpleasant and certainly wrong, corrected by the brethren.—We have been extremely anxious that all who are searching for truth should have the publications, therefore, in order that the light should at once be set before such, we have thought best to circulate them without price; but it should be done in a judicious manner, and all the friends of the cause should be invited to cast in their mite, to aid in paying for them. If any wish publications to distribute to those who are desirous

of finding and obeying the truth, let them send in their orders, they shall have them; and if any are not able to pay the postage, we will pay it for them.

The present state of the cause certainly calls for a vigorous and united effort of all the brethren and sisters. And it is necessary that gospel order should be sought for, and carried out, in order that the purpose of God be accomplished by us, in letting our “light so shine before” the scattered members of the body of Christ, that they may be led to glorify our Father in heaven, in keeping all his commandments. We are certainly safe in following in the footsteps of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in carrying out that system of order introduced by them.—Says St. Paul—

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye. Upon the first day of the week, let EVERY ONE OF YOU lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Cor. xvi, 1, 2.

Now we are quite sure that it would be well pleasing in the sight of the Lord for all our brethren and sisters to act on the plan, (or a similar one,) in raising funds to meet the expenses of publishing, that was introduced by the Apostle for the poor saints. And we will here suggest the propriety of the brethren in every place, once in two or four weeks, collecting what each can spare to aid in publishing. And when forwarded to us, it shall be credited to the church or individuals who send it.