112
Counsels to Writers and Editors
Do not accept the temptations which will come to you with peculiar
force to get out books which involve a large investment of money. The
Lord is not in this matter. The thousands of dollars expended in
illustrations could be invested in getting out books and selling them
cheaply. As ministers attend tent meetings, they should have the
privilege of taking these books with them, and selling them as cheaply
as possible. With the money they receive above what the books have
cost them, they should buy books to present to those of our people
who cannot afford to purchase them, or to unbelievers, who may thus
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be brought to a knowledge of the truth....
It is too late, altogether too late, to depend upon the expensive
covers of a book, or its abundant illustrations, for its sale.... The books
that the people need should be issued free from all display. The saving
of the thousands of dollars expended in illustrations would make it
possible for the books to be sold at a price that would enable many to
obtain them. The Lord has not inspired this enthusiasm. It is a part
of the work that has led away from the simplicity of the faith, which
should characterize Seventh-day Adventists as a chosen generation, a
peculiar people zealous of good works. Canvassers and artists have
had much influence in deciding this subject of illustrations.
I have been surprised as the increased expense caused by illustra-
tions has been laid before me.—
Letter 133, 1899
.
Extravagance in Illustrating—I have been shown that the abun-
dant picture making for our periodicals and books is growing into an
unsanctified ambition; and the dangers of rivalry are increasing to an
alarming extent. The books we are sending out to the world are costing
too much. Extravagance in illustrations costs time and money and
creates worries which can and should be avoided. The Lord would
have us keep the eye single to the glory of God. This infatuation for so
abundant illustrations is not in God’s order; it is the pulse of the world,
and this is beating strongly in God’s people at the present time.
In every line of the work economy must be practiced. All unneces-
sary expenditure must be avoided; for God is testing His people. There
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are missions to be opened in new fields. Men of God’s appointment
are to be raised up to step in their lot and place, and sound the grand
testing message for this time. The word of the Lord must come to the
people. The trumpet must give a certain sound. This is a life-and-death