THE plan of selling Tracts, at our present low prices, meets the unanimous approval of the friends of the cause; yet we think the present method of spreading the light before our fellow-men can be somewhat improved.
Preaching brethren are frequently entering new fields, where they can expect to receive but little towards a support, and where, at first, but few are ready to purchase Tracts. It is sometimes necessary to give away a portion of the Publications circulated among the people. This is quite a tax on the preacher who purchases them, bears his own expenses, and receives little or nothing for a week's labor in a new place.
But what can be done? What improvement can be made on our present mode of circulating Publications? We answer, Let donations be made to the small Tract fund now on hand, ($211,) and let the whole matter be placed in the hands of the Publishing Committee, whose duty it shall be to see that the means received is judiciously used in purchasing Tracts and distributing them to Preaching brethren as each has need, to assist them in entering new fields of labor. We have consulted with the Committee on this subject, and they approve of the plan here stated.
Bro. Cottrell writes:—"Your proposed improvement on our plan of circulating books meets my mind. I was out last week in a new place some fifteen miles south, visited a number of families and held one meeting—some ears to hear. I sold a few books and gave away a few more; and I was thinking on my way home that there ought to have been a few more given away. But I could hardly afford it. I went on foot to save expense of a horse, and I was thinking that brethren ought to furnish Publications to give away in such cases.
"I can spend most of my time in the field, and my family can support themselves; but they cannot support me in traveling, and much less pay for publications to give away. And my mind is to go out into the highways and hedges—in new places."
The friends of Bible truth are all solicited to contribute for this worthy object, as the Lord hath prospered them. Send your liberalities to this Office, and they shall be receipted in the Review, and placed in the hands of the Committee. Several hundred dollars should be added to our small fund immediately.
In No. 6, a call was made for $100, to pay for Tracts to send to Wisconsin. But few have responded. See receipts in No. 8. We have hoped to see a united and vigorous action on the part of those who profess love for the present truth, and we shall not be disappointed. Those who have the truth at heart will be prompt to help carry forward all judicious enterprises for the spread of Bible truth.