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Counsels to Writers and Editors
Suitable Illustrations—The ideas of many in reference to the
matters pertaining to God’s work are too cheap. In the selection of
pictures to illustrate holy things, a deficiency of wisdom has been
shown that God cannot approve.—
Letter 39, 1899
.
An Instance of Poor Illustration—“The Ark Standing in the
Midst of Jordan:” see the cherubim on either end of the ark. What a
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misrepresentation of the heavenly angels looking with reverence upon
the mercy seat, the cover of the ark. A child might take the represen-
tation as a bird hunched up. But when the ark was removed from the
sanctuary, the cherubim were never exposed to view. That sacred ark,
which represented Jehovah amid His people, was always covered, that
no curious eye might look upon it. Let it ever be covered.—
Letter 28a,
1897
.
No Scenes of Horror—Keep out of the books illustrations of auto-
da-fe, Catholic pictures of persecution and burning. It is enough to
read of these wicked deeds, without trying to bring them in all their
terrible details before the eyes.—
Letter 28a, 1897
.
Choice Rather than Numerous—I am troubled in regard to the
use of pictures in our publications. Some of our papers seem bent on
using them in season and out of season. And some of the cuts used are
very inferior, and poorly illustrate the subjects represented. I hope our
publications will not come to resemble a comic almanac. I would not
altogether condemn the use of pictures, but let fewer be used, and only
such as are good illustrations of the subject ... If you choose to have a
few pictures and good ones, I do not object. Let illustrations be choice
rather than numerous.—
Letter 28a, 1897
.
Inappropriate Periodical Illustration—I was greatly pained to
see on the first page of a recent issue of the Signs a picture of the
birthplace of Shakespeare, accompanied by an article on Shakespeare.
May the Lord pity our discernment if we have no better food than
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this to give the flock of God. It greatly distresses me to see those
in positions of trust, who should daily be gaining a rich experience,
placing such matter before the people.
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He graciously
condescends to dwell among them. Let those who are representing the
truth for this time pray earnestly for clear spiritual discernment. Let
them be sincerely jealous for the honor of the Lord God of hosts. Let
them see the sinfulness of exalting such men as Shakespeare, calling