Chapter 11—Counsels to Writers
Present Truth in an Easy Style—In this age, when pleasing fa-
bles are drifting upon the surface and attracting the mind, truth pre-
sented in an easy style, backed up with a few strong proofs, is better
than to search and bring forth an overwhelming array of evidence;
for the point then does not stand so distinct in many minds as before
the objections and evidences were brought before them. With many,
assertions will go farther than long arguments. They take many things
for granted. Proof does not help the case in the minds of such.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:36
(1872).
In their writings, some need to be constantly guarded, that they do
not make points blind that are plain, by covering them up with many
arguments which will not be of lively interest to the reader. If they
linger tediously upon points, giving every particular which suggests
itself to the mind, their labor is nearly lost. The interest of the reader
will not be deep enough to pursue the subject to its close. The most
essential points of truth may be made indistinct by giving attention
to every minute point. Much ground is covered; but the work upon
which so much labor is expended is not calculated to do the greatest
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amount of good, by awakening a general interest.—
Testimonies for
the Church 3:35, 36
(1872).
More Than One Mind—It would be greatly for the interest of
Brother D to cultivate simplicity and ease in his writings. He needs to
avoid dwelling at length upon any point that is not of vital importance;
and even the most essential, manifest truths, those which are of them-
selves clear and plain, may be so covered up with words as to be made
cloudy and indistinct.
Brother D may be sound upon all points of present truth, and yet
not be qualified in every respect to give the reasons of our hope to
the French people in writing. He can aid in this work. But the matter
should be prepared by more than one or two minds, that it may not
bear the stamp of any one’s peculiarities. The truth which was reached
and prepared by several minds, and which in God’s time was brought
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