Book Committee
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like Daniel, they are men of earnest prayer, they will be careful of
their words and deportment. They will not exalt self, but they will
love and fear God, and respect their brethren. They will pray for grace
to keep themselves faithful and true and untainted with selfishness in
their connection with the work of God. No neglect will be seen, no
complaints will be heard, no unjust course will be taken toward any
man whom God has used in His work....
The men who are placed in the position to judge if books are
worthy of publication should be few and well chosen. Men who have
never written a book themselves, or had any experience in this line,
cannot be expected to have clear perceptions in these matters, and
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they should never be placed on a committee to pass their judgment
or estimate the value of a book. They may speak of these matters
as though they were competent to judge, but they are ignorant of the
subject brought before them....
Many books have been issued, not for the glory of God, but simply
because the authors desired to make a book. Men have considered it
their right to put books into circulation which were not at all needed,
that they might make a little money for themselves. Other persons feel
that their productions are needed, and are greatly offended when they
are not recognized as authors....
The Lord would have men of solid judgment in connection with
His work, else the world will be flooded with a class of literature that
it might better be without. And His people are to learn to deal justly,
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.—
Letter 208, 1899
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