In the following simple, strong language, Ellen G. White reveals the conviction and the long-range thinking back of the plans which developed our extensive publishing activities : "The press . . . can reach and influence the public mind as no other means can."—"Colporteur Evangelist," p. 28. James White shared this confident belief in the power of the press, and in words typical of his ceaseless efforts to expand our printing facilities, declared:" 'I must see the publishing work prosper. It is interwoven with my very existence. If I forget the interests of this work, let my right hand forget her cunning.' "—"Life Sketches," p. 249.
If these pioneers in the Seventh-day Adventist movement were correct in their evaluation of the influence of our printing—and I think it is generally accepted that they were —then it is self-evident that the editors, who in a large degree control the content of our publications, stand in positions of great trust. This trust brings them into most important relationships to the organization and to the entire program of our world activity.
The editor of one of our accredited periodicals, or of our widely circulated books, has in his care the vital interests, and in a measure the well-being and destinies, not only of the organized movement, but of individuals throughout the world. The publication he edits is a penetrating voice which sends forth words which cannot be gathered again or taken back—words of permanent record which will be credited to the denomination he serves. His fellow believers charge him with responsibility for the utterances of that voice. They require that it give the advent message a clear and certain sound; it must not be contentious; it must not retaliate or condemn; it must speak with consideration for the beliefs and feelings of others, and seek to avoid stirring up anger that will bring on needless perplexities or untimely persecution. With the gentleness of Christ, it will instruct, appeal, entreat, and warn with all fidelity. It will scatter the seeds of unity and brotherly love, calling to the true followers of Christ to "press together, press together."
The true editor, faithful to his trust, will not imagine he has some personal right or claim in the publication which he directs. A financial trustee, under a sense of responsibility and accountability to the organization, seeks to safely and profitably invest denominational funds and direct their expenditure in harmony with the established policies and detailed direction of his controlling committees. He claims no personal right in the funds, and he recognizes no authority over their use, except that invested in the committees to which he is responsible. In like manner the editor is a trustee of interests which may be of even more importance than dollars, and which require him carefully to follow established denominational principles of publication, and to keep in closest unity with those entrusted with the general oversight of the work.
Local and national conditions and worldwide relationships demand that he be well informed, and that he be keenly sensitive not only to the opportunities for publishing the truth of God, but also to the dangers to the cause and to fellow believers in the use of ill-chosen language or overemphasis. At times, untold suffering may follow the printing of matters which under other conditions or in a more restricted way of presentation might be entirely proper. As an editor he must seek to be wise in these matters. And his character must embrace the highest reaches of loyalty and devotion to the organization he serves. His heart must abound in unfailing love for its people in all lands.
He must ever be on guard against the use of the columns he controls for the presentation of opinions or views which are not in harmony with the denominational beliets and objectives, or which might bring unrest or division. The editor of a private journal is free to accept for printing, or to present through the columns of his paper, private views or beliefs, however divergent they may be. But the editor of a publication accredited and supported by the denomination is in honor bound to see that it truly and effectively presents the denominational viewpoint, even though that viewpoint may differ from his own personal opinion or belief. It must set forth denominational interests in the clearest terms, and safeguard denominational unity. Because of these great trusts, no man in all the movement carries a higher sense of responsibility and accountability than a faithful editor of our publications.
Contacts with Contributors.—Perhaps nothing more openly manifests the skill and ability of an editor than his contacts with contributors. Often he is appealing to men who are heavily burdened with other interests, and he must arouse in them the conviction that they should write as he suggests. He must make the one whom he is addressing feel that the objective is worthy of his time; that the audience reached through the columns of his publication is an important one, and stands in need of his contribution. Perhaps he is making request of one who is not a writer, but whose judgment and experience mean much, and his appeals will need to reflect understanding and encouragement and assurance. Or it may be he is addressing a ready writer, but one who needs guidance lest he run far afield. In such a case, it may be he will need to prepare an outline suggestive of the ground he desires covered; or make the suggestion that the writer prepare an outline and send it in, so that he may determine whether it will blend into the journal in a way to reach the objective. Above all, he must ever be conscious of the value to his work of the cordial understanding and confidence of his contributors.
Many articles will come to the editor unsolicited. Some of these will be valuable, and he will wish to use them, while others will not seem to fit. Shall these last be returned to the writers? I think a general policy which accepts no responsibility for such manuscripts and no obligation to return them is advisable. To attempt to explain why an article is rejected will often make more grief and misunderstanding than to say nothing. It is also likely to entail a great deal of correspondence. However, in a few cases the editor will wish freedom to weigh the question of return, and settle it on the basis of circumstances peculiar to the situation. This should be his privilege.
