By Keith R. Keyser
When I was a college student, learning the fundamental principles of historical research and writing the need for editing in writing was stronger impressed upon me. One of my professors-who himself had authored several historical books and countless articles-maintained that even the best authors write numerous drafts. Many times I was grateful for conscientious proofreaders who made necessary corrections to my various research papers before the assignments were submitted to the merciless professors, waiting to “red line” the contents! Not only did such editing improve my writing and avert a bad grade, it also preserved me from the embarrassment of having mistakes recorded on file for years to come. Imagine the President of the United States delivering an inaugural address without having someone first correcting grammatical mistakes; the errors would permanently reflect on the chief executive. If editorial work is important in the educational, professional, and political worlds, how much more valuable it is in spiritual things.