p. 6 | The Answer of Faith by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 23, 1909

The Answer of Faith

By F. M. W.

The Answer of Faith

SEVERAL years ago it was thought that our publishing houses could not operate and meet their expenses unless they took a large amount of commercial work. Accordingly, in connection with the Review and Herald Publishing Company and the Pacific Press Publishing Company large commercial departments were maintained. Solicitors were sent out to secure work from outside firms, and a large proportion of the work was for outside interests.

It was advised that this policy should be changed. Very plain instruction was received that much, if not all, outside work should be eliminated, and our denominational publishing houses devote all their energies to printing the truths of this message. Efforts were made to follow this instruction, nevertheless with concern and uncertainty as to the future.

After the Review and Herald plant in Michigan was burned, it began operations in its present quarters with the avowed determination to devote all its energies to the denominational work. This was thought by some to be a hazardous undertaking, and from the worldly wise business standpoint it was. The same fear was felt when the Pacific Press entered upon the same policy after its disastrous earthquake and fire experience. But the excellent results which have attended the work in both institutions have more than justified the revolution in plans.

All the energies of the Review and Herald Publishing Association have been devoted to the publishing of denominational literature, and its resources have been taxed to the utmost to meet the demands which have been made upon them. At the present time that office is behind with its orders, and the future holds out the promise of still greater demands upon the facilities of the factory. The same is likewise true of the

Pacific Press Publishing Association. A recent communication from Brother C. H. Jones, the manager, gives this cheering word:—

We are rushed with work in every department of our office, and have been for several weeks, and have been working overtime right along. Five cylinder presses, two job presses, and our large web perfecting press have been in operation almost constantly, and this, too, on denominational literature. Not a single job of commercial work has been done since the fire.

This is only one item in this great movement which demonstrates that obedience to the instruction of the Lord brings success to this work, even though reason and philosophy may not see the outcome. God knows the end from the beginning, and if we but follow the instruction he gives, he will assume full responsibility for the results. The success to us and to his work in following the right way will be a thousandfold greater than in following worldly policies and human devisings. F. M. W.