That Circular Letter by K. C. Russell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1911

That Circular Letter

By K. C. Russell

K. C. RUSSELL

There are many who seem to be prejudiced against the circular letter. Believing the reasons for this prejudice against this excellent medium of communication are more imaginary than real, I wish to submit a few observations concerning its value.

I think no one will dispute the claim that the circular letter is a most economical means of communication. It saves a vast amount of time, labor, and effort on the part of the writer, as well as on the part of the one who receives it. If one were to write to a thousand persons the same matter in as many separate letters as is condensed into the circular letter, it would take nearly a thousand times longer, and nearly a thousand times more work. It would take more time and study for the one receiving the personal letter to assimilate its contents, for it would be more scattered in thought and less expressive; besides, the expense in postage would be double. The item of expense is a weighty argument even to men of business, who value things wholly from the standpoint of dollars and cents; much more should this important item be considered by those who believe the third angel's message, and who realize that every cent should be used to the very best advantage in conducting our work, and to the glory of God.

To those who regard personal appeal more than the real facts communicated, it is more pleasing to receive a personal letter, and to enjoy the personal flavor that usually accompanies strictly personal letters, at the expense of the real burden of the letter; but in so far as the real business requiring the letter is concerned, the circular form is far more effective and just as acceptable to all whose principal concern is the advancement of the great work committed to us.

The fact that circular letters are used so largely by successful business houses of the world ought to be a strong recommendation as to their practicability and value. If a man of the world will carefully read a circular letter about a plow, why will not our people be interested enough in the salvation of souls to read a circular letter upon the best methods of accomplishing that work? One of the features making a circular letter of special value is the fact that much time, and thought, and careful and prayerful study are bestowed upon its preparation. It is usually well written; for every sentence and paragraph is studied with the thought of expressing the ideas of the writer in the most clear and expressive manner. If literature is enclosed, the aim is to select that which has been prepared with the greatest care. The dictated personal letter compares with the carefully prepared circular letter, as an unprepared, spontaneously delivered sermon compares with a carefully studied address, prepared to cover certain points and to extend over a given time. If one prefers merely extemporaneous, unclassified thought, he can usually get it

in dictated letters from individuals who will dictate for hours at a time; but if he prefers ideas, presented in the fewest words, and in the fewest words possible, the matter of the letter is of more importance than the manner of it,—then the circular letter is preferable to a dictated, personal letter. Those who scorn the circular letter are mechanical in all their readings, for they read the newspaper prepared for the eyes of millions. Let them read a book that has not been prepared for them alone.

It may be said that the circular plan may be abused by the aggressive managers of institutions. Sometimes they do this. The same may be said of the writers of personal letters. Instead of discriminating against the circular-letter method, would it not be more wise for us, as a people, to study improvements on this economical and successful method of world-acknowledged utility?

Washington, D. C.