104
Counsels to Writers and Editors
alone brings life and immortality to light. I believe the book you have
written will do good in enlightening many who are in darkness; but for
all this, my brother, you surely can see that barriers have to be erected
in our publishing houses concerning this bookmaking business. You
can see that if no measures were taken to bind about this line of work,
very singular productions would be poured upon the world under the
endorsement of our offices of publication....
Do not understand me as approving of the recent action of the
General Conference Association, of which you write; but in regard
to that matter it is right that I should speak to them. They have many
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difficulties to meet, and if they err in their action, the Lord knows it
all, and can overrule all for the good of those who trust in Him. I
sympathize with you in your difficulties and perplexities, but I must
advise you to wait, patiently wait. These delays may seem to you to
be very tedious, and to be working you personal injury; but please
do not take this view of the matter. If you will put your trust in God,
and wait patiently a short time, I trust that everything will be adjusted
satisfactorily.... You may have to wait awhile for the adjustment of the
matters that trouble you; but do not get yourself into worse temptations
by feverish frettings, or by seeking to obtain relief by any means
contrary to the will of God.
You speak of humbling yourself by having to wait for the sanction
of the board upon your book. Some things have passed into history very
recently that have sharpened up the vigilance of the book committee.
Advantages have been taken in the publishing line which has hurt the
offices and will continue to hurt them because a heavy debt has been
incurred through the publication of matter that never came before the
book committee for their consent, and of which they had no knowledge
until the office was involved to the amount of $5,000.—
Letter 49, 1894
.
Close Criticism of All Writings—The Lord did not lead in the
production of some of the statements that are made in this book [Living
Temple]. He has given us His word, and this word is to be the man
of our counsel. It seemed to me passing strange that men who have
been long in the work cannot discern the character of this book. A
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great deal of scripture is used, but it is woven in and brought together
in such a way that to many minds error is made to appear as truth.
Erroneous theories are so presented that those who receive them will
certainly be misled, and led on step by step by the enemy.