Dear Vigilant Watchman:

As part of a discussion with my daughter, the deception series came up. 
When I went to find to my archives to find a certain article, I came across
the quote I recently mentioned to you.  The one from the black woman 
in the 1800s. This was in Deception VI--

Hear the warning of Mrs. Zilpha Elaw (a sister with clear
eyes) who wrote this in her memoirs in **1846**--

     "...Take heed what you read: as a tree of knowledge, both of good
     and evil, IS THE PRESS; it oft times teems with rabid poisons,
     putting darkness for light, and light for darkness; extolling
     earthly grandeur and honour, spurious valour and heroism; fixing
     reputation and character on a false basis; and frequently
     appearing as the panegyrist of the rankest principles, and the
     basest vices. Above all shun an infidel, obscene or disloyal
     newspaper press, which is the scavenger of slander, and the
     harlequin of character; the masquerade of morals, and the
     burlesque of religion; the proteus of sentiment, and the
     dictionary of licentiousness; the seminary of the libertines, and
     the hot-bed of sedition. Defile not your eyes with the sight of
     its columns, nor your heart with its proximity. Remember that you
     are called to be saints, not politicians and newsmongers. Give
     your cordial preference, therefore, to the Holy Scriptures;
     carefully read, study, and digest them, especially the title-deeds
     of the Christian covenant. Endeavour, as far as in you lies, to do
     the will of God on earth, as it is done in heaven. Imbibe the
     sentiments and spirit, the temper, disposition and manner of
     Christ Jesus, your inestimable pattern. Cautiously, diligently,
     and habitually observe and OBEY the directions and statutes of
     Christ and his apostles, that your foundation may be built not
     upon the sand of current traditions and prejudices, but upon the
     prophets and apostles, Christ Jesus being the chief cornerstone,
     and THAT YOU MAY BECOME HIS TRUE AND FINISHED DISCIPLES, PERFECT
     AND ENTIRE, LACKING NOTHING, BUT COMPLETE IN ALL THE WILL OF
     GOD..." [caps are my emphasis] (p. 52 of Sisters in the Spirit)

That was 1846, what would she think if she saw today's society--newspapers,
television, theatres, schools...churches?

***

Look at the level of her literacy and ability to reason and draw
conclusions.  I perceive that she did not have to search high and low for
words, either.

Mephibosheth