Selected Messages Book 2

Meeting an Emergency

If, when cramped for means, you let your competent workers go, to set up business for themselves, you will in a short time wish you had them back. The question of finance can be managed nicely, if all the workers will be willing when there is a pressure for means, to accept less wages. This was the principle the Lord revealed to me to be brought into our publishing institutions. There will be plenty to do, and your work will need these very men. Should we not all be willing to restrict our wants at a time when money is so scarce? 2SM 207.1

My husband and I worked on this principle. We said, “The publishing house is the Lord's institution, and we will economize, reducing our expenses as far as possible.” The Lord requires self-sacrifice of all His servants to advance His work and make it a success. Let every worker now do his best to sustain and guard our publishing institution in -----. Do you not think that the Lord will be pleased to see this spirit control in all our institutions? We are to bring principle into the work. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Are we ready to follow Christ?—Letter 25, 1896. 2SM 207.2

Our institutions are to be entirely under the supervision of God. They were established in sacrifice, and only in sacrifice can their work be successfully carried forward.—Letter 129, 1903. 2SM 207.3

Human wisdom will lead away from self-denial, from consecration, and will devise many things that tend to make of no effect God's messages.—The Review and Herald, December 13, 1892. 2SM 207.4