Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 111, 1900

Jones, C. H.

Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia

July 17, 1900

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother:

For the first time, I have read the appendix to Desire of Ages. Had this appendix been sent to me personally before it appeared as a part of the book, or had it been brought before my notice by any one, I should, after reading in it the decided, pronounced points of the faith which we hold, have said, “This is not an appropriate place for such matter.” 15LtMs, Lt 111, 1900, par. 1

When there is a burden to get such matter before the people, place it in a less expensive book than Desire of Ages. Reasoning from cause to effect, there is no question but that those who might see these things would refuse to buy the book. I think we ought to be more careful and considerate in our movements. 15LtMs, Lt 111, 1900, par. 2

When Christ commissioned and sent forth His disciples, He said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake. ... And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.” [Matthew 10:16-18, 21-23.] These cautions are to be observed. 15LtMs, Lt 111, 1900, par. 3

I am questioning whether the carrying of the Signs with the book might not hurt its sale, because the handling of the book and the Signs together might create prejudice. 15LtMs, Lt 111, 1900, par. 4