By a Proof Reader
Another described the first census as having been taken by David, forgetting the great census at Sinai, which gives the name to the book of Numbers. In his book, a certain well-known author among us says that Samuel was of the tribe of Ephraim, evidently mistaking Ephrathite (pertaining to Bethlehem) for Ephraimite, and overlooking Samuel's genealogy from Levi, as given in 2 Chronicles 6, as well as Sister White's direct statement that he was a Levite. A recent issue of a certain critical publication speaks strongly against Sister White for requiring kneeling in prayer, and cites Solomon as standing. While the record in Kings does not mention kneeling, that in 2 Chronicles 6 plainly says: "Upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees."
2. Carelessness in quoting verses from Bible. A striking example of this fault is the complete reversal of Habakkuk 2:2. Our own ministers and papers, as well as nearly every other speaker or writer whom I have heard, make this verse say the exact opposite of what it really says. It does not say, "That he who runs may read," but, "That he may run that readeth it." The language used does not mean, "Make it so plain that any one running by may understand it without stopping" (which seems to be the almost universal interpretation) ; but, "Make it so plain and impressive that he who reads it may run to tell others."
3. Misconstruction of Bible passages by taking them out of their proper setting, putting into them the meaning of modern customs, and making them apply to our days in unwarranted ways, is a common fault. An absurd example is one I once heard, in which Isaiah 3:18, 19 ("their round tires like the moon, the chains," etc.) was used to forbid bicycles. A cruel and heartbreaking example was when one of our ministers during the war used Jeremiah 22:10 (which is a particular prediction of the death in Egypt of Shallum, or Jehoahaz, son of Josiah) as a prophecy of the Adventist young men who were drafted. True, some were killed in France, but the aching hearts in his audience needed comfort and promises.
Another common distortion of Scripture is the use of Isaiah 41:6, 7, as a prophetic picture of the colporteur work of the advent movement. In fact, it is a picture of idolatry in ancient Israel. The principle of co-operation among those who were manufacturing idols is a good one; but the passage is not a picture of our work, except as we can draw lessons even from the persistency of the forces of evil.
4. The sacrifice of good taste, good manners, and dignity to wit. In a manuscript on my desk as I write, on "Jonah and the Whale," are such expressions as, "Did Jonah swallow the whale? or did the whale swallow Jonah?" "Jonah was down in the mouth," etc. We find it necessary to cut enormously from certain material now running in the Watchman to keep it within the bounds of Christian culture. Many illustrations might be given on this point; but such writing does not deserve the publicity even of a "horrible example."
