p. 28 | THE REVIEW FREE by J. H. W.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 24, 1867

THE REVIEW FREE.

By J. H. W.

I am frequently asked concerning persons to whom the Review is sent free, whether they are worthy; and the Secretary often receives letters from persons unknown to him, stating their inability to pay for the paper, and if not directly requesting it to be sent free, it is easily seen that is the design. As might be expected, it is sometimes found that the papers are sent to those who are not worthy, and sometimes a minister may request it to be sent, and circumstances may so change that he would not advise its continuance after a time. And thus it continues to be sent a longer time than is proper.

The publishers cannot know everybody, and the responsibility cannot justly rest on them. Ministers cannot be everywhere, nor continue to know the circumstances of all with whom they become acquainted. Therefore the responsibility clearly falls on the officers of the respective churches, where, or near where, those persons reside. Every local elder should consider it a part of his duty to keep the publishers informed in regard to such cases, and remember that the worthy poor will receive it free, and freely so; also that the paper hardly sustains itself, and the Association cannot afford to throw the paper away. In no case can a person be entitled to the Review free who habitually uses tea or tobacco.

Will the elders of the churches look to this matter? J. H. W.

Thank Bro. W. for the foregoing remarks. His suggestions are right, and should be strictly complied with. The Review should go free only to the worthy poor. Will the elders of the respective churches see to this matter? J. M. A.