Why Don't They Write? by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 11, 1856

Why Don't They Write?

By James White

We have often asked ourself the question, Why don't the brethren who used to write, and others who can, write for the REVIEW. Why will they let the REVIEW go out weekly with so much selected matter, when if each would contribute something, the paper might be filled with original matter, which would add greatly to its interest.

We say the REVIEW should be principally original matter. Many, and a variety of gifts make a social meeting interesting; so with a religious paper. And it should be borne in mind that the reading of the REVIEW is all the meetings that many of our scattered brethren have for months, and even years. With what interest are the communications perused by all, especially the scattered ones. How proper, then, to have a number of the REVIEW pages filled with testimonies from many, which would be like a good conference meeting.

Now brethren, sit down and write a letter, more or less, for the REVIEW. Some hardly think of contributing any thing, unless they write enough for a small book upon the prophecies, or a long studied argument upon the Sabbath. These are good in their place. But short, stirring epistles are most wanted, at this time. Why are our preachers so silent? Come, brethren, the time has come to speak out freely as to our sad condition, present duty, and future prospects, as set before us in the testimony to the Laodiceans. Let the scattered people of God hear from you, and how the cause prospers where you labor.

Too much is left for the Editor to do. All the business of the Office rests on him—the reading of all letters, preparing a portion of them for the printers, keeping accounts, filling orders for books, reading proof-sheet, directing the papers, &c., &c. It is a wonder that he finds any time to write. And if he does find an hour's time in the day, what can be expected from the pen of one whose mind and spirits are depressed with a great multitude and variety of anxious cares. Those brethren who travel have time for reflection, time to mature their thoughts, so have those who follow the plough, or stand at the mechanic's bench; but an Editor's work is all mental. And if he finds a leisure hour to write, he has no time for reflection. Perhaps the printer stands by his elbow waiting for editorial, and he must hasten to scribble his first thought. It is all hurry, hurry, with the Editor. He has no time to rest, or to be cheered and refreshed by visiting Christian friends, and looking out upon new scenery; but he must be shut up to his task, and grow pale, and hurry on towards the grave. One who served you five years, but just escaped the grave, with his life, and now, (having taken leave of the editorial post,) is fast recovering his health and former freedom of spirits. He can feel for our present Editor, as he knows his cares, his confinement, his sacrifices, while shut up to his duties fifteen hours of the twenty-four.

Nothing is better calculated to cheer the heart of our Editor when pressed for time to write, than to receive good, rich, articles and communications from his brethren abroad. Some of our Corresponding Editors have well done; but where are Brn. Pierce and Andrews? The inquiry goes round in the church, "Why Don't THEY Write?" J. W.