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Selected Messages Book 2
in the sanitariums that are to be established. This instruction must
pay you a suitable sum for your services. And all who are connected
with the institution must receive remuneration in proportion to their
services.—
Letter 99, 1900
.
A Percentage Proposition Counseled Against
In regard to the proposition made by Brother V., [
A $25-a-week
salary, 30 per cent on the operations, with a five-year contract, and
one month a year off for study and improvement at his own expense.—
Compilers
.] I look at the matter as you do. We cannot afford to start
out on the high-wage plan. This was the misfortune of the people
in Battle Creek, and I have something to say on this point. We have
before us a large field of missionary work. We are to be sure to heed
the requirements of Christ, who made Himself a donation to our world.
Nothing that we can possibly do should be left undone. There is to
be neatness and order, and everything possible is to be done to show
thoroughness in every line. But when it comes to paying twenty-five
dollars a week, and giving a large percentage on the surgical work
done, light was given me in Australia that this could never be, because
our record is at stake. The matter was presented to me that many
sanitariums would have to be established in Southern California; for
there would be a great inflowing of the people there. Many would seek
that climate.
We must stand in the counsel of God, every one of us prepared
[201]
to follow the example of Jesus Christ. We cannot consent to pay
extravagant wages. God requires of His under-physicians a compliance
with the invitation, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my
yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (
Matthew 11:29, 30
).—
Letter
309, 1905
.
“Do Not Exact a High Salary”
I would be very pleased to see and converse with you. I have an
intense desire that you shall copy the pattern given in the Word of God.
. . .