BOOKS by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 15, 1868

BOOKS.

By James White

THE press is a mighty engine for good or for evil. The cause of unpopular Bible truth must be blessed with good books. In regard to our publications, we would state as follows:

1. We have too many kinds, and yet the ground of important truth is not fully covered by our books, pamphlets, and tracts. Before printing more, labor should be expended in revising, condensing, and writing. We should have as few pages as possible, and yet have the ground fully covered.

2. We have but few efficient ministers, and a large share of the great work must be accomplished by our publications. And a large share of them must be circulated gratuitously. Here will ever be a chance for our people to cast into the treasury, of their abundance, sums large and small.

3. Agents are wanted all over the country, who shall take a lively interest in the sale of our publications, men who shall manage the matter with all that interest they would were it a matter of worldly gain. The Publishing Association has offered its publications to agents on easy terms. It pays transportation of books, and asks agents to be responsible for only those books they sell. And with these easy terms, some have taken the agency who have neither acted for the interest of the Association, nor for the good of the cause. Agents are wanted who will act for the best interest of the Publishing department, to advance the worthy enterprise of book distribution. They should be men of piety and benevolence, who will engage in this department of the work for Christ's sake. They should be prompt, active business men.

Some have ordered books largely, sold but few, and have on hand large quantities of some kinds out of print at the Office. Orders for these books cannot be filled at the Office, because they have been sent off to distant States where they lie in the hands of inactive agents. Agents should order books carefully, and those who ship them should be allowed to vary as to the amount of kinds. They should fill orders with reference to the amount on hand, and the probable call for the different kinds of books in the locality to which they are to be sent.

The Association will pay no express freights. At present low prices of books, it can do no more than to pay common freights. Those who choose to order by express will pay their own bills.

Those who have on hand more or less of such works as Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, History of the Sabbath, Kingdom of God, Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1-4, Truth Found, Appeal for the Restoration of the Sabbath, Facts for the Times, Signs of the Times, Testimonies to the Church, Nos. 11-14, will please report to the Office immediately the amount on hand. If they have a surplus of any of these or other kinds, it is their duty to send them to the Office free of charge as soon as convenient.

Agents are wanted who will take a lively interest in these matters. They can have a good assortment, and yet not drain the Office of certain kinds, until there be none there to fill orders.

Bro. Andrews is revising the History of the Sabbath, when a large edition will be printed. And untiring efforts will be made to make our books as select, and valuable as possible. We design that the entire ground shall be fully covered with as few pages as possible.

JAMES WHITE.