Seite 117 - Counsels to Writers and Editors (1946)

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Illustrating Our Literature
113
message, and it must not come uncertainly from the watchmen who
stand on the walls of Zion.—
Letter 147, 1899
.
With Taste and Simplicity—In order to reach unbelievers, a man-
ifestation of outward display is seen among our people; but this display
will not accomplish the good that is represented. Our books are be-
ing filled with expensive pictures, and this makes them too costly to
give away, and too costly for those persons to buy who need them
most. The matter of illustrating is being carried to extremes. The extra
money put into the cover of a book, or into pictures, will not convert
the soul to the truths that are contained in the book. That so much
space should be occupied with pictures is not in the order of God.
There have been long delays in the publication of our works waiting
for illustrations,—delays that could be ill-afforded, and which have
kept from the people the truths which they should have had....
Our books can be tastefully prepared, as all books should be; but
our publishing houses are making a mistake in departing from the
simplicity of the gospel. We are using the Lord’s talent of means, and
we must handle it wisely. The returns from this work of illustrating
do not warrant such a large outlay of means. The income is not
proportionate to the time and means spent in securing the cuts.—
[171]
Manuscript 131, 1899
.
Count the Cost—In the production of books containing valuable
truth, men have failed to count the cost. They have failed to find out
whether the illustrations provided under the representation of larger
sales, were absorbing all the means, limiting the power to accomplish
the work in other lines, work which needs to be done at once. Close
examination should be made of the influence of this work upon the
church and the world.—
Letter 133, 1899
.
Correctness Important—Should we not make investigation in
regard to the matter of illustrating our books so largely? Would not
the mind have clearer, more perfect ideas of angels, of Christ, of all
spiritual things, if no pictures were made to represent heavenly things?
Many of the pictures made are grossly false as far as truth is concerned.
Do not pictures so far removed from the truth give voice to falsehoods?
We want to be true in all our representations of Jesus Christ. But many
of the miserable daubs put into our books and papers are an imposition
on the public.—
Letter 145, 1899
.