The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-10-21
" Certain Things we do not Propose to Do.

la many things We have no sympathy with
the views adopted by the ~ Y Evangelist.
1t is, however, paper edited with much abil
ity and tact, and considering its general afini-
ties, has good degree of moderation also.
The sensational, or clap-trap school does not
commonly fare comfortably at its hands, nor
does it seem disposed TO favor some of the
devices relied on by some Of its neighbors to
gain circulation, though it has. we regret to
say, at last and reluctantly yielded to the sew
ing machine scheme, and offers them as pre-.
miums-rather bashfully however.
At the same time it offers some wellconsid
cred remarks, which it would not be surpris-
ing if some papers in that section of the coun-
try should take as personal. There are GER
tain things it is not willing to do to gain pa
tronage. The bearing of the article may be
best seen in its own words:
- In asking our readers TO aid us in extend
ing our circulation, we do but ask them to CO.
operate in work which will be OF great bene-
fit to themselves and to their friends and
neighbOrs. As we have more than once shown,
in no other way can the same amount of pro-
6table reading be circulated at so small an ex-
penSe We furnish during the year in The
Evangelist, for three dollars, larger amount
Of fresh and useful reading than can be pro
cured IN the form OF books from any publish
ing house for $50. Thousands will read re-
hgious paper who will not buy or read reli-
giouS book.
There are certain things which we do not
propose to do First, we do not intend to
gioe array oar paper, for the purpose of secur
ing readers of 1t. 1t costs us too much. In
time and money and hard work. We find too
that people are very apt to think that what
costs nothing is worth nothing. Instead of
giving 1t away, We mean to make it better aud
better, so that those who take it and pay for
it, shall feel that it is worth all that it costs
We have arrangements In progress for greatly
improving the paper with the new year
Second, we do not intend by adopting the
club system TO make the poor pay for the pa
perS of the rich A club of fifty may be
formed in wealthy congregation and thus
secure the paper at the lowest possible price 4;
while in Home Missionary field only two or
three persons may feel able to subscribe The
latter are compelled to pay full price, though
poor and struggling to live, while the former.
rich and prosperous, have the advantage of
the lowest terms We prefer to treat all alike,
or if we make any discrimination, to make it
IN JaUor Of the poor, and those striving to sup
port the Gospel in destitute places.
1--WE have been often urged by our friends
to offer as large inducements for new subscr,b-
ers as some of our contemporaries; but have
hitherto refrained from doing much in that
way. The truth is, We have had little taste
for the premium business, nor have we felt
the pressure that appears annually to lead
many papers to make unusual efforts to refrain
their old, and obtain Relo, subscribers We
have labOred faithfully, and have spared no
expense to make The Evangelist richly worth
all that is paid for it, and that we have sue
ceeded pretty well in our endeavors, is shown
by the fact that rery rarelv as paper discon-
tnaed accept on account Of the death Of a sub
ScYIber -