General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR PUBLISHING HOUSES AND THE DIVISION OF TERRITORY TO ACCOMPLISH THE BEST RESULTS, AND TO ECONOMIZE MEANS

W. C. WHITE

That we may understand the wonderful opportunities and responsibilities committed to the publishing houses, we must first study the field, and the history and progress of the work. GCB April 2, 1901, page 5.14

Of all the people in the world who have a literature, and who can be reached with the message by publications, the English-speaking and reading peoples form less than one fifth. Among the English-speaking people, less than one fifth of the literature is distributed to the people by subscription-book agents. In our united labors for the circulation of literature, we are doing more than two thirds of our entire work by subscription-book canvassers, among the English-speaking people. Thus we give over sixty per cent of our efforts to four per cent of our field. And it is not half worked. GCB April 2, 1901, page 5.15

At the present time, more than three fourths of the literature of the denomination is issued in the English language only; and in the number of books sold, the proportion is still greater in favor of the English-speaking people. This, you will say, is natural, considering the place and manner of the rise of the message. But it can not be right or possible for the work to continue this way. The coming of the Lord is near, and it is plainly our duty to carry the last warning message of the gospel to every nation, kindred, tribe, and people quickly, so that all may be warned and a people prepared for his coming. GCB April 2, 1901, page 5.16

Why does the work move so slowly? Why are our Conferences content to use nine tenths of their resources in fields where the message has been presented, while millions in other lands have never heard it, nor have they been offered the literature from which to read it. Why do our leading publishing houses take so little burden of providing a literature in the various languages and dialects of the people? What burden is the General Conference Committee and the Foreign Mission Board bearing in this vast, blessed work? What special care have they been giving it, and what special agencies have they provided for the development and furtherance of this most, efficient branch of our work? In our efforts to understand the present chaotic condition of the publishing work in the languages of Europe, Asia, Africa, Polynesia, and South America, let us take a hasty view of its rise and progress. GCB April 2, 1901, page 5.17