Chapter 40—Our Publishing Houses
God would have all who are connected with His institutions show
aptness, discrimination, and forethought. He would have them become
men and women of cultivated intellect, coming behind in no qualifica-
tion; and as they shall individually feel the necessity of this and shall
work to the point, Jesus will aid them in their endeavors. As they work
upon the plan of addition in securing the graces of the Spirit, God
will work in their behalf upon the plan of multiplication. Connection
with God will give the soul expansion, will exalt it, transform it, and
make it sensible of its own powers, and will give a clearer sense of the
responsibility resting upon each individual to make a wise use of the
faculties which God has bestowed.
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Everyone should study strict economy in the outlay of means; and
he should exercise even greater faithfulness in handling that which
belongs to another than in managing his own affairs. But this is
seldom done. No individual is personally benefited with the profits of
our offices or made to suffer by the losses incurred; but the property
belongs to the Lord, and His cause is materially affected by the manner
in which the labor is performed. If the cause of God is limited in
its resources, important work which might and should be done is
neglected.
While economy should always be practiced, it should never degen-
erate into meanness. All who work in our offices should feel that they
are handling God’s property, that they are responsible for the increase
of the capital invested, and that they will be accountable in the day of
God if through lack of diligence and careful thought it decreases in
their hands. All are called upon to avoid waste of time and means. The
faithfulness or unfaithfulness of the workers to their present trust will
determine their fitness to be entrusted with eternal riches. Everyone is
required of God to execute the work assigned him with thoroughness
and dispatch. The example of each should serve to excite diligence
and thoughtfulness on the part of others. By earnest, conscientious
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