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Selected Messages Book 2
unflagging zeal and skillful labor. To connect this class of laborers
with the work may require a greater outlay of means. But while it
is essential that economy be exercised in everything possible, it will
be found that the efforts of some narrow minds to save means by
employing those who will work cheap, and whose labor corresponds
in character with the cheapness of their wages, will result in the end
in their loss. The progress of the work will be retarded, and the cause
belittled.—
Letter 63, 1886
.
Wages for Institutional Workers
The publishing work has been founded in sacrifice; it has been
maintained by the special providence of God. We started it in great
poverty. We had scarcely enough to eat and wear. When potatoes
were scarce, and we had to pay a high price for them, we supplied
their place with turnips. Six dollars per week was all we received for
the first years of our labor. We had a large family; but we brought
our expenses within our means. We could not purchase all that we
desired; we had to bind about our wants. But we were determined
that the world should have the light of present truth; and spirit, soul,
and body were interwoven with the work. We worked early and late,
without rest, without the stimulus of wages and God was with us. As
prosperity attended the publishing work, the wages were increased, as
they should be.
[192]
A Wage Scale, but with Equity
While I was in Switzerland, word came to me from Battle Creek
that a plan had been formed by which none working in the office
should receive more than twelve dollars per week. I said, This will not
work; it will be a necessity for some to receive higher wages than this.
But double this amount should not be awarded to any man connected
with the office; for if a few take from the treasury so largely, justice
cannot be shown to all. Large wages afforded to a few is the world’s
plan; while others in every way as deserving receive far less. This is
not justice.
The Lord will have faithful men who love and fear Him connected
with every school, every printing office, health institution, and publish-
ing house. Their wages should not be fashioned after the worldling’s