General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE PRINCIPLES TO GOVERN DEALINGS WITH EMPLOYEES CONFERENCES, AND OUTSIDERS

A. G. DANIELLS

(Extracts from remarks of A. G. Daniells.)

“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” In our dealings with employees, with Conferences, with persons of the world, if we take this attitude, we shall have the blessing of the Lord, we shall have prosperity in our work, and we shall not miss the object for which the publishing work has been established. There is another scripture that I wish to read,—Jeremiah 22:13 and onward: “Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; that saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the Lord.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.7

The truth set forth in that scripture, it seems to me is this: God teaches us to deal justly, to deal uprightly, to do to others as we would have others do to us, and that is to know God; and the man who does not deal with his employees or with those with whom he has business, in an upright, fair manner, does not know God. No matter what the provocation may be, if there is not always perfect honesty in the thing, if that is not the ruling spirit in the business, God is not in it. GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.8

Regarding the selection and training of employees there is a statement on page 193, of “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. III: “There should be a careful selection of help in the office. The young, untried, and unconsecrated should not be placed there; for they are exposed to temptations, and have not fixed characters. Those who have formed their characters, who have fixed principles, and who have the truth of God in the heart, will not be a constant source of care and anxiety, but rather helps and blessings. The office of publication is amply able to make arrangements to secure good helpers, those who have ability and principle.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.9

It is the privilege of the publishing houses to begin with the selection of employees. If we make a good selection, we shall prevent many difficulties. And when the employee is selected, it is the duty of the publishing house to give attention to him at the very beginning, make every provision for his education, look after him from the day he enters the office, and exercise a fatherly and brotherly care from the start. GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.10

Complaint is made by young people that they do not make advancement, and many of them feel they are not instructed, are not pushed along. The responsibility rests as much upon the management as it does upon the employee himself. See Testimonies for the Church 5:415. The word to us is that the watchword to the management of our publishing houses should be “Progress.” The youth should be taught to aim at perfection. GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.11

“The want of religious influence is largely felt in the office. There should be greater devotion, more spirituality, more practical religion. Missionary work done here by God-fearing men and women would be attended with the very best of results.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.12

No one knows how much wrong is committed, how many young souls are sent to destruction or led to destruction by the improper associates they form when they come to our institutions, and have no home of their own to live in. GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.13

One point that I feel like impressing is that of personal touch between the management or foreman and the boys and girls in all the departments. I will read a statement. Vol. V, page 420:— GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.14

“I have been shown that Jesus loves us, but he is grieved to see such a want of wise discrimination, of adaptability to the work, and of wisdom to reach human hearts and to enter into the feelings of others.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.15

In my ministerial work in the offices, that is the thing that has impressed itself on my mind,—the need of the managers’ coming into close contact with the employees, and of becoming personally acquainted with them, and making them know that they are their best friends, and that they are not there as a lot of servants, but that they are there as God’s own servants. GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.16

If I can get boys and girls to feel that way, I can do almost anything in the world with them. That is how it is that we can get our young men and women to tramp over this great, dark world with our publications. GCB April 2, 1901, page 3.17

We do not want any gulf between the management or the foreman in the offices and the young people. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.1

In connection with this, here is a short statement in Vol. III, page 194: “Hearts yearn for sympathy and love, and are as much refreshed and strengthened by them as flowers are by showers and sunshine.” That is in the chapter on our dealings with the employees of the office, and I think it sets forth a very beautiful truth. The investments are not large financially, but I tell you, brethren, it will pay big returns to take time to be sociable, to take time to speak a friendly word, to take time to inquire of the employees’ talents, to take time to take them by the hand when they are slipping. GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.2

These things help a great deal. They are first steps to proper discipline in the office. I do not believe that true discipline begins by dealing in a harsh manner. GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.3

There are very few boys I have ever met that could stand against one or two seasons of prayer. I have seen the hardest hearts melt under it. GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.4

When those means have been taken that the Testimonies state ought to be taken, then— GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.5

“If any are employed whose influence is of a character to lead away from God and the truth, there should not be a moment’s question as to the disposal of their cases.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.6

“Those who occupy responsible positions in the office are accountable for the prevailing influence there; and if they are indifferent to the course of the insubordinate and impenitent in their employ, they become partakers of their sin. The youth who are connected with this work should be select, those who will be improved, refined, and ennobled. We should constantly be at the post of duty, guarding our youth. Like sleepless sentinels, those who profess the truth should guard the interests of the offices.” GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.7

How to be kept in perfect peace—to be quiet, and fearless, and courageous, and at the same time to be of a sound mind and a sweet disposition—is a secret that comes from Him; for the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. Fret and worry do no good, but do much harm. Getting excited over anything unfits for the battle. Be still and know!—King’s Messenger. GCB April 2, 1901, page 4.8