Present Truth in an Easy Style—In this age, when pleasing fables

are drifting upon the surface and attracting the mind, truth presented in
an easy style, backed up with a few strong proofs, is better than to
search and bring forth an overwhelming array of evidence; for the point
then does not stand so distinct in many minds as before the objections and
evidences were brought before them. With many, assertions will go
farther than long arguments. They take many things for granted. Proof
does not help the case in the minds of such.—Testimonies for the Church
3:36 (1872).
In their writings, some need to be constantly guarded, that they do not
make points blind that are plain, by covering them up with many
arguments which will not be of lively interest to the reader. If they linger
tediously upon points, giving every particular which suggests itself to
the mind, their labor is nearly lost. The interest of the reader will not
be deep enough to pursue the subject to its close. The most essential
points of truth may be made indistinct by giving attention to every minute
point. Much ground is covered; but the work upon which so much labor is
expended is not calculated to
do the greatest amount of good, by awakening a general interest.— [84]
Testimonies for the Church 3:35, 36 (1872).
More Than One Mind—It would be greatly for the interest
of Brother D to cultivate simplicity and ease in his writings. He needs
to avoid dwelling at length upon any point that is not of vital importance;
and even the most essential, manifest truths, those which are of themselves
clear and plain, may be so covered up with words as to be made cloudy
and indistinct.
Brother D may be sound upon all points of present truth, and yet not
be qualified in every respect to give the reasons of our hope to the French
people in writing. He can aid in this work. But the matter should be
prepared by more than one or two minds, that it may not bear the stamp
of any one’s peculiarities. The truth which was reached and prepared by
several minds, and which in God’s time
was brought out link after link in a connected chain by the earnest searchers
after truth, should be given to the people, and it will be adapted to meet the
wants of many. Brevity should be studied, in order to interest the reader. Long,
wordy articles are an injury to the truth which the writer aims to present.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:671 (1871).
Long Articles—One Writer—I wish to ask you to be sure and keep your
articles in the Watchman [The Watchman, known formerly as The Southern
Watchman, is now issued under the name These Times.] constantly. Elder ---
--’s articles are long, and unless he changes, he will kill the circulation of the
Watchman. There should be short, spiritual articles in the Watchman. I shall
write again to Elder -----. I cannot give my consent to have one man’s signature
to so many long articles. Brother -----, this order of things must change. But how
shall we bring about a change? What can we do? I will write to Elder -----
and see if it will do any good. I will do my best. May the Lord give wisdom and
sound judgment. There is need of deeper spirituality in the articles published in
the Watchman, if the interest in the paper is to be kept up.—Letter 78, 1906.
Our Ministers to Write—Ministers who are engaged in active
labor in the cause of God, and who have earned a reputation among our people,
should use their influence to the very best advantage.
Their responsibilities do not cease with their pulpit labors. It is the duty
of all who can write, especially those who minister in holy things, to exercise
their talents in this direction. They should feel that it is one branch of their
work to give tangible proofs of their interest in the Review and Herald, by
the pointed, spiritual articles from their pens for its columns. This paper,
which is the only preaching that hundreds have, is not what it might be, or what it
should be. Here is an opportunity to speak to thousands, and all who do speak
through the Review should have a burden of something to say.
Mediocre Articles—Men of but small experience who have but
little influence, can get up commonplace sermons. Some of the people read
them, while others feel no interest to read them. There is nothing in the words, or
arrangement of ideas, that melts and burns its way into the heart. Some have
interest enough to read every sermon, however deficient in new ideas and
interest. When individuals in