Special Testimonies Concerning the Work and Workers in the Pacific Press

Economy and Indebtedness

11. In order to relieve the office from financial embarrassment, there must be in some respects a different course pursued. In the effort to secure outside patronage, prices have been set so low that the work brings no profit to the office. Those who flatter themselves that there is a gain, have failed to keep a strict account of every outgo. This has been the way things have been going for too many years. If work is brought in, let it be understood that there is to be no cutting down prices for the sake of securing the job. Maintain the dignity of the office. Take only such work as will give a margin of profit. If necessary, dismiss some of the workers that you can better spare, and save the wages you pay them. The office needs weeding. There are more overseers than it can afford to sustain. PH152 23.2

12. It would have been far better if the enlargement of the publishing house had been delayed, and the work had been conducted on a more limited scale, until the providence of God, which discerns the work in all its bearings, should open the way to make these improvements without contracting heavy debts, and paying interest. These things must be considered. The warnings that the Lord sends must be heeded. PH152 23.3

13. It is true that the publishing house has furnished means to support branches of the work in distant fields, and has aided in carrying other enterprises. This is well. None too much has been done. The Lord sees it all. But from the light he has given me, every effort should be made to stand free from debt. This heavy indebtedness is eating into the vitals of the publishing house. Results of Unselfishness and Sacrifice. PH152 24.1

14. Now, if all will go to work unselfishly, with an eye single to the glory of God, humbling their hearts and repenting of their sins, God will work in their behalf. Souls will be converted, and the piety and devotion of the workers will be felt by unbelievers. The only security against failure is to be found in entire surrender to God, daily seeking his counsel in all things, keeping the light burning, and daily reflecting its bright rays to others. PH152 24.2

15. Let a work of reformation, deep and thorough, take place in the office. Let there be seen a spirit of self-sacrifice. Expend your means carefully. Cultivate economy. Do not act toward Christ as though you believed the wicked accusations of the unfaithful servant: “I knew thee, that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed.” As you look to the cross of Calvary, inquire, “How can I work for the Master?” Do not calculate how little you can do to reach the very lowest standard, but arouse to grasp the fulness that there is in Christ, that you may do much for him. PH152 24.3

16. Workers who are not diligent and faithful do incalculable harm; they are setting an example for others. There are those in the office who are rendering whole-hearted, cheerful service; but will the leaven not affect them? Shall the office be left without some sincere examples of Christian fidelity? When men claiming to be representatives of Christ reveal that they are unconverted, their characters degraded, gross, selfish, impure, they should be separated from the office, for their moral powers are so perverted and weakened that they can not be trusted. I know not what I can say to arouse them. Will these sentinels that are sleeping at their post arouse from their death-like slumber, and come under the vitalizing influence of the Spirit of God? Will they continue to betray sacred trusts, or will they become missionaries for the Master? PH152 25.1