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Counsels to Writers and Editors
be—that they are deficient in experience. They lose confidence in the
paper, and when they read sermons from the pens of men whose names
they are not acquainted with, they feel a distrust, because they have
been deceived before, and although good matter may be contained in
the sermons, they do not acknowledge it as food; therefore they lose
much good instruction....
Christians will not make light of the smallest gift in the church.
But some of the writers of the sermons which have appeared in the
Review have not been at work upon their one or two talents, but have
been handling the five not committed to them at all. They make bad
work. The Master knew their ability, and gave them no more than they
could make the very best use of that at the reckoning time, He need not
require more of them than they had ability to perform. None should
needlessly mourn that they cannot glorify God by talents He has never
committed to them. Those who are restricted to only one talent, if they
use it well, God will accept according to their ability....
Leading Workers to Contribute Articles—Especial efforts
should be made by ministers who have the cause of God at heart,
to contribute to the columns of the Review the most interesting, spiri-
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tual articles. All can find time to do this if they have a will and heart to
engage in the work. Some are too indolent and ease loving. They will
spend hours in chatting upon subjects not especially connected with
the advancement of the cause and work of God. The time thus spent is
lost, and they are unprofitable servants. If the time had been occupied
in the study of the word of God, thoroughly furnishing themselves
from its precious pages, fitting themselves to be able ministers, their
employment would be more profitable. They would have something to
write. They could furnish articles which would instruct and encourage
the people of God. Such would be only doing their duty, and would be
giving to the flock of God their portion of meat in due season....
A Heartfelt Message—When feasting upon God’s word, because
of the precious light you gather therefrom, present it to others that they
may feast with you. But let your communications be free and heartfelt.
You can best meet the people where they are, rather than in seeking
for lofty words which reach to the third heavens. The people are not
there, but right here in this sorrowing, sinful, corrupt world, battling
with the stern realities of life.