Relationship Between the Publishing House and the Church
105
It will bring perplexity to others and additional care and burden to you;
and you have cares and burdens enough. In every new move we must
consider the interests of the whole work.”
During the night I had instruction as to the best course to follow at
this crisis. Our work now is large; many new books must be brought
out, and we must handle all parts of the work wisely. We must do our
best to encourage our publishing houses in America and in foreign
countries. Should I as author take up the work of handling my books
myself, discouragement would be brought in our offices of publication.
We have urged our publishing houses to give up commercial work, and
they have done this. Should we bring confusion into the subscription
book work, it would give them occasion to return to commercial work,
and this would bring in delays and hindrances to the work of filling
the world with our literature.
At this period of our work we must guard every step we take in
reference to the publication of our books....
I was instructed by One of authority that our work is to be carried
on conscientiously by our own believing people. We are to unite our
forces solidly, and work for the glory of God, multiplying the evidences
of truth in every possible way. The Lord God is our counselor. Christ
is our mediator and Saviour. We are to bring into the work every
living agency who feels that he is chosen of God to do, not a common,
[124]
commercial work, but a work that will give light and truth, Bible truth,
to the world.—
Letter 72, 1907
.
Handle Books That Strengthen the Cause—The ability of our
people to circulate literature is a precious talent for which we shall be
held accountable. We are not to do a work that will bring in a revenue
for persons who have departed from the faith, and who are working
counter to God’s appointed ministry. Various ones will offer flattering
inducements for agents to circulate their books. Let our people be on
guard. A portion of the revenue derived from the circulation of the
books handled by our canvassers should be used in strengthening the
work of our publishing houses.
Instead of engaging in a work that will place money in the hands of
those engaged in a work of opposition, let our book agents give their
attention to the books that are filled with the gospel message for this
time, the gospel that will prepare a people to meet their God.—
Letter
66, 1907
.