Our Periodicals by John Norton Loughborough

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 6, 1871

Our Periodicals.

By John Norton Loughborough

As we are making exertions to increase interest in our periodicals, and to collect indebtedness on them, a little systematic effort on the part of all will help materially, especially in the matter of collection. I will simply make a few suggestions, and these occurred to mind on setting about the work of clearing up our list in this State. There are many papers coming to the State outside of the special interest that has been awakened by the preaching here. I presume many of these are papers that have been sent to friends by their friends in other States, the same as many here have sent to their friends in the Atlantic States. There are persons taking the paper over one hundred miles from where we are called by the present field of labor in the State. They are strangers to us. We have no way of ascertaining whether they still wish the papers only by addressing them. This we will do when it becomes necessary. But before this, would it not be well for all, in every State, who have sent papers to their friends in other States, to ascertain if those papers are still continued; if so, if those to whom they are sent are interested in them. If not interested enough to pay for them, to see themselves that they are paid for. If not wanted, and doing no good, have them discontinued. We will take measures here to look after what papers we have ordered to other States; that will help your lists in several States. If each State and individual who have sent papers will do the same, we can help one another, and in the most cases render a very material aid in this matter. With systematic effort and a little care on the part of all, it seems to me that we can place our publishing house where there will be no three or five thousand dollars due it from delinquent subscribers, but where all can be very nearly, at least, on the advance-pay system. It is a little care, a little calculation for each one, but it is these littles that tell on the great lever of life. And so these little thoughtful steps, I have thought, might help many, and help the Association to its just dues, that it may prosecute its noble work of publishing to the world the last notes of warning.

Brethren and sisters, you are all aware that the Publishing interest is the property of no one man, but of the church, or rather, it is means devoted to the Lord to be cared for by his stewards, the church. Shall we not all take an interest in sustaining it, and freeing it from embarrassment, that this mightiest preacher we have among us—the press—may still speak to millions? May the Lord help us all to do what we can.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.