The Publishing Department

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 27, 1909

_The Publishing Department_

_Fifth Meeting, May 19, 8 A. M._

Elder N. Z. Town, from South America, occupied the chair. The principal topic of discussion was based upon the following resolution:—

“Whereas, In the beginning of our subscription-book work, one of the principal factors in establishing it was the organization of the field under the leadership of general and local agents; and,—

“Whereas, That line of work suffered years of decline through disorganization, but is now being strongly revived wherever the field is properly manned; therefore,—

“Resolved, That we move forward with all possible haste in the work that has been begun of selecting and training general and field missionary agents, and of placing them where they are most needed, until all the great fields of the world are manned for thoroughly handling the circulation of literature.”

The missionary spirit, which is the key-note of this General Conference session, has a large place in the Publishing Department meetings. The general agents expressed their determination to co-operate with the foreign work by offering themselves or the best of their men for the needy fields that are yet unmanned.

Elder J. N. Anderson, from China, made a strong plea for three or four men to be appointed to the Chinese field at this time. Two or three years must be spent in learning the language, and studying the needs of the country, and it is high time that experienced leaders in the publishing work be preparing to handle the great question of scattering literature among the hundreds of millions in China.

Other speakers emphasized the need of leaders in Japan, India, Africa, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. The printed page is proving an effective means of reaching all nations with the gospel message.