General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE PUBLISHING WORK AS AN INSTRUMENTALITY IN THE PROCLAMATION OF THE MESSAGE

Elder U. Smith introduced his historical sketch as follows:— GCB April 2, 1901, page 1.6

“This subject is one of great importance and far-reaching influence. The most vital interest are involved in it. We are all familiar with the importance assigned to the publishing work, in the literary world at large. In any enterprise that is set on foot, in any reform that is being agitated, almost the first inquiry is, What is its literature? What uses is it making of the press? Any organization which makes no use of the press is set down at once as something of no consequence or no character; something which seeks to conceal itself from the presence of men, instead of coming to their knowledge; something that seeks darkness rather than light, with the suspicion which always attaches to such a course, in reference to the character of their deeds. Whereas any cause which gives evidence that it courts publicity; that it is willing to avail itself of every means to make itself acquainted with the people, and the people acquainted with it; that spreads before the public a record of its doings, a statement of its purposes, and its plans, its means, and its methods, and keeps these things, by means of the publishing facilities of these times, ever before the eyes of the people, in public ways, and in the bypaths of individual life, shows that it has nothing to cover up, to conceal or keep back; and in pursuing such a course, that cause is sure to gain the attention of the people, and to some extent their confidence, and perhaps sympathy, and possibly adherence. GCB April 2, 1901, page 1.7

“That an organ, or paper, issued at periods more or less frequent, was necessary, was an idea accepted at once, as a matter of course. But the issuing of tracts, pamphlets, and books, and prosecuting a publishing work in the general and ordinary sense, was thought to be an idea so remote as not to be worthy of consideration at all. And when the idea was suggested that such things must be, and would appear in this cause, it was met with utter incredulity by some, as if anything of the kind could never be necessary in this work, and as if the very thought was tantamount to saying, My Lord delayeth His coming.’ But the necessity existed. Discerning minds foresaw it. A publishing work, beyond the issuing of periodicals, must be started. Publications must be had. And so, under trial, and hardship, and sacrifices, the work was begun, in a limited and feeble way. But every achievement was regarded as a victory, and hailed with delight. GCB April 2, 1901, page 2.1

“Elder James White was a man of discerning spirit, to see what would be needed, and a man of large faith to believe that what was necessary would be provided. He was for prosecuting the work on a broad and liberal scale. He believed that whatever was of interest to some of the friends of the cause, was of interest to the whole. Nothing in his plans was to be merely individual or local. With this spirit he went on with his work. A regular office of publication was established, an office building erected, and a press was bought. The question of organization was agitated. He advocated its adoption, on the very ground that nothing should be governed by individual caprice or emotion, or by local interests. He talked freely of his feeling and plans with his friends, and one had no difficulty in understanding his spirit. His feeling was, that in any moves of general interest, all should have a share, and all have a voice. GCB April 2, 1901, page 2.2

“On the ground of failing health, and the feeling that it was not the proper or consistent plan for one person to bear all the burden and responsibility of having the entire publishing work in his hands, he suggested the formation of an Association, to own the property, and manage the interest of the publishing work. Such an Association was formed, and incorporated May 3, 1861. The design was that all the friends of the cause should have an interest in it, and a share in it, and a vote in it; each member to take from one share to as many as he was able, or felt disposed to take. Thus all the people according to their interests in the Association, were to be connected with it, and have a voice in its management. It was therefore designed to be a representative body.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 2.3

Elder Smith then outlined the history of the organization and reorganization of the Publishing Association at Battle Creek, with which all are familiar, concluding with these words: - GCB April 2, 1901, page 2.4

“To form some idea of the value of the publishing work, as an instrumentality for the proclamation of the message, we have but to think a moment of what would have been the condition of the work, had this agency never been used. But this is too hard a problem to propound for solution; for we can form no conception of it. How many thousands have been made acquainted with the truth, who never would have heard it but for the publishing work? The books never tire in their message. They never grow angry. They speak the same truth again and again. They never answer back. How many have they thus won to the truth who would have seen something in the living preacher, in tone, or manner, or expression, to offend, or repel, or weary. This is an instrumentality that can not be dispensed with, or allowed to fall into disuse. The query is, and the problem to be solved is, how to make it more efficient, and work it more successfully. GCB April 2, 1901, page 2.5

“That there have been some mistakes made in the prosecution of the work, is no more than might have been expected; and it will be strange if others are not added to the list. As the work spreads out, it will require more means, more men, and more agencies, to carry it forward; and the tendency will be to increase the machinery faster than it can be advantageously used in the work. To some extent a miscalculation in this respect may have already occurred. But it will certainly tend to impair the efficiency of the work, if it ever reaches that condition in which it requires more men, more money, and more study, to turn the various cranks, and keep the machine in motion, than it takes to do the work itself. The more direct and simple the working of the business can be made, the better.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 2.6