Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 173, 1907

Counsel Against Large Wages

1907

Previously unpublished.

I am instructed to bear my testimony to all who make large demands for their service. God’s servants are not to do so. “All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] Those who would walk humbly with God here, and win the crown of eternal life, must be self-sacrificing missionaries. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 1

We do not conduct the work wisely and with true justice if we pay our ministers a limited salary for the self-sacrificing labors and give to the physicians and medical workers a large wage. The work of the ministry and of the medical missionary are both elevating and progressive; and, under proper management, both lines bring the workers into contact with people who move in the higher circles. The physician’s work should not demand a large salary while the minister receives but a limited wage. In some instances our missionaries in foreign fields have been given so small a sum for their labors that they have had to spend with the strictest economy and restrict their wants until at times they have deprived themselves of proper food and clothing. The physician, carrying on his line of work in the same Master’s service, receives an income that enables him to live in comfort and have something to spare. My brethren, the Lord does not want our work to show such a difference. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 2

My brother, will you not consider the principle that should control the salaries of our ministers and physicians? Both are engaged in the same work of salvation for body and soul. But that which is of most importance is the fulfilment of the gospel commission. The message of salvation is to go to all the world. Those who are appointed to travel from place to place, to answer the call to preach the gospel, must go before rich and poor alike. The passing out of large sums each week to medical workers in the home field binds about the work of the gospel ministry. In the past, this work has been greatly hindered for lack of means. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 3

Sanitariums must be built; schools must be established; churches must be erected. The different lines of the work must be carried forward, but the workers on their part must consider the necessity of being educated to lives of self-denial and self-sacrifice. They must learn to bind about their wants and learn to work for the Master on the self-denial plan. We are the Lord’s missionaries; we need to study the life of Christ. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 4

The gospel message is not to be carried as it was in greater New York. The truth must be carried to new cities. There are many cities that we have not yet entered because of a lack of means. You have capabilities that would enable you to fill the position at Loma Linda, and this we hoped you would do as a worker together with God. All our talents should be given to God to do a special work for Him in saving souls. Your talents have been given to you that they may be improved, not in all respects according to your ideas, but according to God’s way. Christ will give to His workers power and efficiency to make their efforts effective—power to bring to Him the largest returns in the work of soul-saving. Christ stepped down from His throne in heaven, laid aside His kingly crown and royal robe, and submitted Himself to a life of poverty and a death of shame, that He might save a sinful race. Shall we refuse to deny self for His sake? 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 5

All of our reward is not gathered in this life. But it will be given when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened. Then it will be seen that some of ordinary talents have striven more earnestly to follow in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice than have those to whom have been committed larger trusts. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 6

From the beginning of our work, when the efficient general Elder James White stood as leader of our people, I have practiced self-denial and self-sacrifice. When any worker has prescribed the terms of his service, as your letter has done, I have been shown that this should not be. All our talents are given to us of God, and they should be returned to Him with all that through His grace we have been able to acquire. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 7

When large wages were demanded by some in the office of publication in Battle Creek, light was given me that this was not in accordance with the will of the Lord. This was not the way that our missionary work was to be carried. This heavy drain on the treasury would soon use up the funds, and our missionary work would have to cease. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 8

I have had to exercise the strictest economy in order to meet the emergencies of the advancing work. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 9

You will do your work in your own way, and we shall not hinder you; but we cannot comply with your request. If we should do this, others would claim the same consideration, and we have not the means in the treasury to sustain such large demands. 22LtMs, Ms 173, 1907, par. 10