Spirit of Traffic by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 26, 1867

Spirit of Traffic.

By James White

A SPIRIT of traffic has been among our ministers, which some of them have confessed. And since the light has come out that it is wrong for them to sell even our own publications, when it can be done by others, my own wrong in this matter has appeared very great, as others have been led into a spirit of trade by me.

While publishing the Review I erred in not taking more than half a sufficient sum, most of the time, of office funds to support my family. This lack I made up in the sale of English Bibles and other good books. This was wrong as it was a tax upon my strength, and led others to go into the sale of useful things not so sacred.

I should have been supported in my calling, and had nothing to do with selling books, charts, bread-pans, stationery, syringes and Medical works, at the office.

In justice, however, I would say that the Review, Instructor, and our publications, have not been a source of profit. Even now, with its numerous supporters and subscribers, the office is hardly self-sustaining. What I this day possess I am indebted to a few personal friends, and rise of property on three places we have owned in this city, which is equal to what we possess. JAMES WHITE.