102
Counsels to Writers and Editors
I am also receiving printed matter, tracts and leaflets, from one and
another, which present a large array of Scriptures, put together in a
way that would seem to prove certain theories; but they only prove the
theories in the estimation of their authors; for truth set in a framework
of error, diverts the mind from the real subject which should take the
attention, and aids error in calling the minds of men away from the
present truth which is essential for this time. These persons bring
certain Scriptures together, and interpret passages of the Bible, so as
to give coloring to their views; but they are wresting the Scriptures to
make them appear to say that which they do not say. False theories
will thus be propagated in the world to the very end, and as long as
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there are printing presses and publishing houses, erroneous matter will
be presented for publication, and books will be prepared for public
circulation.
Guard Our Publishing Houses—Should there be no guard
against the publication of erroneous theories, our own publishing
houses would become the agents for disseminating false theories.
Writers make a world of one or two items of theory, which others
cannot regard as important, and then the writer thinks his ideas are
greatly belittled.
Two or three days ago I received a chart from one who professes
to be a Sabbathkeeper in California, and he feels very sore over the
fact that the Pacific Press does not pay respect to his productions, and
accept the light he would present to the world. There will be gods
many and lords many that will be struggling for recognition; but should
the persons that feel such a burden to pour out something original upon
the world, walk humbly with God in meekness and contrition of spirit,
the Lord would recognize them and give them the grace of His Holy
Spirit, in order that they might do the very work, according to their
ability, which God would have them do.
You may say, What does Sister White mean? Is she classing me
with these erratic workers whom she has mentioned? No, I do not;
but I would present the difficulties that should make our publishing
houses cautious, in order that you may see the necessity of measures
being taken at our office of publication, to discourage the infatuation
with which many are taken, in thinking that the Lord has laid upon
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them a burden to write and to publish a variety of matter that would
not only not be for the benefit of the churches at this time, but would