Chapter 21—Independent Publishing
Danger of Independent Work—It is necessary that something
should be done to guard the interests of those who believe the truth
for this time. Christ has given many warnings to the effect that false
doctrines, false prophets, and false christs would arise and deceive
many. From the light that God has been pleased to give me, His
humble servant, I know that these prophecies have been fulfilling,
and testimonies have not been few that have been given to meet these
things as they have come up all along through our religious experience.
Great delusions will arise, and even “of your own selves shall men
arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”
Even Satan will disguise himself, and appear as Christ.
I can see plainly that should everyone who thinks he is qualified
to write books, follow his imagination and have his productions pub-
lished, insisting that they be recommended by our publishing houses,
there would be plenty of tares sown broadcast in our world.
Indiscriminate Use of the Testimonies—Many from among our
own people are writing to me, asking with earnest determination the
privilege of using my writings to give force to certain subjects that
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they wish to present to the people in such a way as to leave a deep
impression upon them. It is true that there is a reason why some of
their matters should be presented: but I would not venture to give my
approval in using the testimonies in this way, or to sanction the placing
of matter which is good in itself in the way which they propose. The
persons who make these proportions, for aught I know, may be able
to conduct the enterprise of which they write, in a wise manner; but
nevertheless I dare not give the least license for using my writings in the
manner which they propose. In taking account of such an enterprise,
there are many things that must come into consideration; for in using
the testimonies to bolster up some subject which may impress the mind
of the author, the extracts may give a different impression than that
which they would were they read in their original connection.
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