p. 165 | Notes by a Layman by Jos. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 9, 1871

Notes by a Layman.

By Jos. Clarke

I WAS to-day in an editor's office; and as I saw the evidence of labor all around, I could not help thinking of our editors at Battle Creek, and how much their burdens of labor might be lightened by us, who are scattered about over the several States and territories, if we would all set ourselves to work, to cull and arrange ideas, and to collect facts for the periodicals issued from the Office.

First, the REVIEW let us each who can, contribute articles, facts, &c., which are suitable for that. Next, the Instructor; let us do all we can for that. And the Health Reformer, how much more interesting it might be, if the editors had three out of ten of its readers for contributors. True, much that we send would not be published, of course; but I am glad, if a part of my work can be useful in so exalted a work.

Think of it. Suppose that one thousand good people try to help our editors, and many of these persons are very favorably situated, and well qualified to write, cull, and arrange matter for the paper. If the one thousand go to work systematically, don't you think it would help our workers in the Office, who are shut up there inside of brick walls ten hours per day, this fine, nice weather, when you and I are free to breathe the summer air?

But some will say, How shall I work? Well, I will say, First, ask of God to give you wisdom; then believe it will be given. Do not say, I cannot; I am not capable. Remember that is the way Meroz did. Have an envelope always at hand directed to the Review Office; and whenever you think of something which you know is good and sensible, note it down with a pencil, and slip it in the envelope, until you have quite a number of ideas collected. Now keep on thinking; read over your notes, arrange your ideas, place them in due form upon white paper, with a good pen and black ink. Now throw away the original notes, and place your manuscript in the envelope, which may be filled with good selections cut from the papers of the day, as appear appropriate for the REVIEW. Now cut the corners of the envelope, and seal it, and place upon it a two-cent stamp; for if there are only manuscript and selections in the envelope the postal law allows it to pass the mail for two cents. Also have an envelope for the Health Reformer, and another for the Instructor, and write for each as you are able. Of course I am not urging people to write who cannot write, but those who can; and there are many such.

Another thing has been much on my mind of late. I ask myself, Why is it that so many young preachers, instead of going right out into the harvest field, and raising up new churches, as Bro. White has so often recommended to this class of men—why is it, that they have such an itching to work among the churches already raised up by other men? Do they not know that Bro. White and others have repeatedly spoken against this course? Perhaps a layman like myself has no right to meddle with this thing. Suppose it so, then I will not meddle, but rather suggest that the churches indorse the sentiments of our leaders on this head.

No doubt but there are exceptions, at least at times; but truly we want those to come among us as preachers who can stand up before any audience, as advocates of the truth; men who have been the means of raising up churches; men of experience of this kind; an experience you can get in a few months, if you try. Of such men we are not ashamed. JOS. CLARKE.