Publications in other Languages.
By James White
In the ranks of Sabbath-keepers are those who speak German, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch, etc. These, as it would be natural to suppose, feel a deep interest for those of their tongue. They desire to see publications on the present truth printed in their native languages, to circulate in America and in Europe. And these are not all who feel an interest in this enterprise. All who understandingly receive the first angel's message "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," and understand that this message was to prepare the way for the other two which were to follow, rejoice to see those of other tongues embracing the truth. It is evident that the hand of Providence has been opening the way. But in regard to the German tract on the Sabbath, we may have moved in advance of Providence. We have an excellent work written. We applied to several to translate it, but could not find any competent person who would perform the task. Application was then made to the Israelite Office in Cincinnati, Ohio. They agreed to do justice to the work. They furnished plates and blocks, which cost between eighty and ninety dollars. We published a small edition which is circulated. And it is the united testimony of four competent judges that the work is imperfect in many respects, especially in the translation, and not fit to circulate. Bro. Smith has written to the Israelite Office concerning the matter. We have waited some time for a reply, but receive none. We are now strongly inclined to the opinion that works of this kind should not be trusted in disinterested hands, or those who have but little or no other interest than the money they receive. When the right time comes to publish the present truth in another language, will not God raise up a man who will feel a deep interest in the work, to whose hands it may be safely entrusted? When in Ohio we formed a pleasing acquaintance with Bro. John Clarke, who embraced the Sabbath, with about forty others, at Lovett's Grove, Wood Co., a few months since. He, assisted by two educated Germans, has furnished another, and we trust a good and correct translation of the tract on the Sabbath. We have also ordered German type from the foundry at Cincinnati, deciding that the only proper and safe course is to do all our printing in our own Office. Bro. Amadon has set the type for two of our works in French and he can learn, with a few lessons, and a little study, to set German type, or some brother who has a knowledge of the German language can learn to set type. It is will prepare the way to print at our Office in Swedish or Norwegian, as they use the German type. It is an interesting fact that most of the languages used by so-called Christian nations are printed with the English or German type. Our misfortune in the German tract should not discourage any; but should, and we trust will, stir all the friends of truth to lend a helping hand, as we now start upon a plan to publish the present truth in other languages which plan we think will be pleasing to the Lord and his people. We have printed in French 1500 copies of a work of 36 pages on the Sabbath, and have a work on the Second Advent in the press the same size. Of this we print 2000 copies. The entire cost of both will be $175,00, or $5.00 per hundred. Of this sum, $100,64 has been received. Due. $74.36. We suggest that it would be best to meet the entire cost of publications in other languages by donations. Most of them must be circulated gratuitously. The avails of those which may be sold, the translators, preachers, or colporteurs, will need to help them in their work. In behalf of the Pub. Com. JAMES WHITE.