Periodicals and their Circulation
199
Each has its distinctive work to do. The Signs is a pioneer paper to do
a special work....
In God’s wise arrangement there is diversity, and yet He has so
related each part to others that all work in harmony to carry out His
great plan in extending the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ
whom He hath sent. However there may appear to be dissimilarity, the
work is one great whole, and bears the stamp of infinite wisdom. God
and Christ are one, Christ and His disciples are one, we in Christ, and
Christ in God. The Lord designs that His work shall move forward
in perfect harmony without friction.—
Letter 71, 1894
. (
Selections
from the Testimonies Setting forth Important Principles Relating to
Our Work in General, 20, 21
.)
Keep Work on a Paying Basis—Our periodicals have been of-
fered for a limited time on trial at a very low figure; but this has failed
of accomplishing the object designed—to secure many permanent
subscribers. These efforts are made at considerable expense, often at
a loss, and with the best of motives; but if no reduction in price had
been made, a greater number of permanent subscribers would have
been obtained.
Plans have been made for lowering the prices of our books, without
making a corresponding change in the cost of production. This is an
error. The work should be kept on a paying basis. Let not the prices of
books be lowered by special offers which may be termed inducements
or bribes. God does not approve of these methods.
There is a demand for low-priced books, and this demand must be
met. But the right plan is to lessen the cost of production.
In new fields, among ignorant or partially civilized peoples, there
is a great need of small books presenting the truth in simple language
and abundantly illustrated. These books must be sold at a low price,
and the illustrations must, of course, be inexpensive.—
Testimonies for
the Church 7:159, 160
.
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