Chapter 18—The Publication of Books by Ellen G.
White
What Shall Be Published?—The question of what shall be pub-
lished at the office must be viewed in the light of the teachings of the
Holy Scriptures. The Lord’s voice must be honored and obeyed. “The
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The
truth must not be placed in the background as it now is, for subjects of
vast importance to the soul receive only a passing notice, while these
objectionable things have the foreground. The workers overlook the
great truths that would make them wise unto salvation. They do not
see that daily they are to receive manna from the heavenly table, that
they are to feed upon the Word of life, and so gain spiritual strength.
They are now to store up, for the present and the future, supplies that
will provide for the soul in times of emergency. They are to lay up
in store the precious gold and silver and precious gems of the Word
of God, jewels that will never perish.—
Letter 31, 1891
. (
Selections
from the Testimonies Setting forth Important Principles Relating to
Our Work in General, 176, 177
;
Special Testimonies Concerning the
Work and Workers in the Pacific Press, 46, 47
.)
Denominational Publishing Houses to Print Ellen G. White
Books—I am fearful regarding any plan that would take the work out
of the hands of our publishing houses, for this might lessen the confi-
dence of our brethren in these important agencies for the dissemination
of present truth.
I believe that in the selling of your books [S.N. Haskell] you want
[206]
to do just what is right. I believe the Lord will guide you with His
counsel. Regarding my books, I feel that I cannot take them into my
own hands and thus weaken the work of the office of publication. It
would not be wise for me to make a move that would look as if I did
not have confidence in our leading publishing houses. We must do all
things in a righteous way. We must not weaken the hearts and hands
of those of whom we expect so much.—
Letter 70, 1907
.
177