Maintaining a Proper Balance
109
cannot now be held. In such places the faithful evangelistic canvasser
takes the place of the living preacher.—
Letter 14, 1902
.
At this period of our work we must guard every step we take in
reference to the publication of our books. I have been plainly shown
that we must secure as canvassers men and women of ability. Much of
the effort that has been devoted to the sale of medical books should
now be given to the handling of books that contain the present truth for
this time, that the evidences of our faith and the issues that are before
us may be known by the people....
We are to bring into the work every living agency who feels that
he is chosen of God to do, not a common, commercial work, but a
work that will give light and truth, Bible truth, to the world.—
Letter
72, 1907
.
Small Books vs. Large Books—I do not believe it is right to
devote so much attention to the sale of the smaller books, to the
neglect of the larger ones. It is wrong to leave lying on the shelves the
large works that the Lord has revealed should be put into the hands of
the people, and to push so vigorously, in the place of these, the sale of
small books.—
Manuscript 123, 1902
.
No Time for the Commonplace—We are now altogether too near
the close of this earth’s history to keep before the attention of the
people a class of books which do not contain the message which our
people need. Draw their attention to books treating on practical faith
[142]
and godliness. Cleanse and sanctify the camp. There is an abundance
of books which will give light to the world.
I cannot understand why our papers should contain so many notices
of books unessential for this time. Plenty of such books can be obtained
in all bookstores. Why not draw the minds of the people to subjects
relating to the words of eternal life? Why not make an effort to obtain
communications simple, real, and true, from our workers in all parts
of the world? God calls for this class of reading. We have no time to
devote to commonplace things, no time to waste on books which only
amuse.—
Counsels to Writers and Editors, 147, 148
(1899).
I have been instructed that the common stories put into book form
are not essential to our well-being. The world is flooded with this class
of literature, and the fact that such books find a ready sale is by no
means evidence that they are the books which should be circulated.
The passion of stories is bringing into existence many thousands of