Our periodicals have been offered 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 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.