An Object Lesson by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 1, 1916

An Object Lesson

By Editor

WE wish to call the attention of our readers to the large number of excellent articles in our General Articles department. None of these articles is long, and not one is prosy. We wish that we might receive many such articles as these from our brethren throughout the field. Some of the articles which are sent us are too long. Often we receive articles covering ten or fifteen pages of typewritten matter, and we well remember one several years ago which covered one hundred and fifteen pages of closely written foolscap.

Some send articles with the statement that they have never written before for publication, and should like to see their article in print; but instead of concise articles on different phases of Christian experience, they send page after page written in a prosy, meandering style, quite unusable in the crowded columns of our church paper. Let these beginners take as models for their efforts such articles in this number as the ones from Elders F. D. Starr, H. A. St. John, and W. F. Martin, and others. These experienced writers do not endeavor to exhaust a line of thought. They take a particular point and address themselves to it in clear, concise language. These articles are refreshing to the weary spirit. We can nearly always use articles of such length and style, whereas long prosy ones must be laid aside to await a dearth of copy.

We are desirous of presenting every week in our church paper a large variety of matter to meet the various needs and tastes of our readers. We can do this only as our contributors boil down their matter and come to the point in what they have to say. Let us all, both editors and contributors, seek to do this as far as possible in the future. Some subjects, of course, like doctrinal discourse or articles requiring long quotations, must have greater space for proper treatment. The large majority of articles could be shortened to great advantage.

ONLY a few days ago Brother J. V. Willson, of Kimberley, South Africa, notified the General Conference that he felt he should have to retire from the strenuous work he has been carrying in the field for many years, and take duties more in keeping with his age and physical powers. However, he was looking forward to years of service in connection with some of our medical institutions or elsewhere. Last week a cable message came from South Africa announcing Brother Willson's death. Our sympathies are with Sister Willson, and with the members of the family in this country. We know that their friends will pray that the Lord may comfort and strengthen Sister Willson at this time. Brother Willson has been a faithful laborer in Africa during seventeen years or more of earnest service.