p. 120 | The Health Reformer by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 28, 1871

The Health Reformer.

By James White

By the grace of God we determine that the Health Reformer shall be raised in interest and usefulness, and its circulation very much increased. In order for this, we must have the co-operation of all our friends. We are happy to report an increase of about two hundred subscribers each month. And from the tone of the very many letters we receive, there is a lively, general interest being felt in this journal.

We printed 3,000 extra copies of the March number of the Reformer, designing to send to all those subscribers of the Review that do not take the Reformer. But we found that we did not print enough to go all round. Several States will not get the March number; but they shall be supplied with the April number. The postal law requires the pre-payment of all matter sent to persons who are not bona-fide subscribers, so that our postage bill on these extra specimen copies is about $75. Add to this the cost of the copies themselves, and the entire sum expended for these extra copies sent out to induce subscribers to this worthy journal is $300.

We are in earnest in this matter, and expect to be sustained in the work by all the friends of truth and reform. When we consented to take charge of the Reformer, we had assurances from the friends of reform, especially from our ministers, of hearty co-operation. We engaged in this enterprise with full expectation of contributions monthly from such able pens as Andrews, Waggoner, Butler, Canright, Van Horn, Pierce, Bates, Smith, R. F. Andrews, Steward, Cottrell, Loughborough, Kellogg, M. D., Haskell, Bourdeaux, Clarke, and a host of others. But we have not received a line for the April number from one of them. We have reached the 27th. Each number should be ready on the 20th of the previous month. The April number will wait, if need be, till July for articles from those who have promised co-operation.

And again, our ministers can gather up almost any amount of subscriptions for the Reformer they wish. We will send them specimen copies free, post paid. Will they do this work? But these are not the only ones that can help us. We call on a thousand active, intelligent men and women among us to take hold of this good work. Friends of reform everywhere are earnestly invited to gather up subscriptions for the Reformer.

We appeal especially to the officers of our numerous churches. We have sent the March number of the Reformer to thousands of your numbers who are not regular subscribers. Please visit your flocks immediately, and see that they have the Reformer. This is a matter that should be urged. Wake up the members of your flocks, and see that they have the instruction they need.

Our labors and cares are great. And we cheerfully labor on in the department of health reform, if we can be sustained by our friends; but without their entire co-operation, we shall be compelled to leave this branch of the work. JAMES WHITE.