Relation of Publishing Houses to One Another
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Should one institution adopt a wrong policy, let not another institu-
tion be corrupted. Let it stand true to the principles that were expressed
in its establishment, carrying forward the work in harmony with these
principles. Every institution should endeavor to work in harmony with
every other just so far as this is consistent with truth and righteousness;
but further than this none are to go toward consolidating.
Rivalry
There should be no rivalry between our publishing houses. If this
spirit is indulged, it will grow and strengthen, and will crowd out the
missionary spirit. It will grieve the Spirit of God and will banish from
the institution the ministering angels sent to be co-workers with those
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who cherish the grace of God.
Never should the managers of our institutions attempt, in the slight-
est degree, to take advantage of one another. Such efforts are most
offensive to God. Sharp dealing, the effort to drive sharp bargains with
one another, is a wrong that He will not tolerate. Every effort to exalt
one institution at the expense of another is wrong. Every reflection
or insinuation that tends to lessen the influence of an institution or its
workers is contrary to the will of God. It is the spirit of Satan that
prompts such effort. Once given place, it will work like leaven to
corrupt the workers and to thwart God’s purpose for His institution.
Co-operation
Let every department of our work, every institution connected with
our cause, be conducted on considerate, generous lines. Let every
branch of the work, while maintaining its own distinctive character,
seek to protect, strengthen, and build up every other branch. Men of
varied abilities and characteristics are employed for carrying forward
the various branches of the work. This has always been the Lord’s
plan. Each worker must give his own branch special effort; but it is
the privilege of each to study and labor for the health and welfare of
the whole body of which he is a member.
Not consolidation, not rivalry or criticism, but co-operation, is
God’s plan for His institutions, that “the whole body fitly joined to-
gether and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according