Chapter 14—Commercial Versus Denominational
Printing
Witnessing Through Commercial Contacts—One of the means
by which these [publishing] institutions are brought in contact with
the world is found in commercial work. [
SDA Publishing Houses
accepted commercial printing contracts up until the time of the Review
and Herald and Pacific Press Publishing Association fires in 1902
and 1906 respectively. The extra income thus provided assisted these
publishing institutions in operating on a viable financial base. But the
missionary motivation behind such operations was largely forgotten.
When commercial work became nearly all-absorbing and the purpose
served was largely monetary, God signified His displeasure in the dis-
astrous fires that destroyed the church’s two largest publishing houses.
Commercial work stopped after these devastating fires. The policy
regarding commercial work today is as follows: “It is recommended
that publishing houses equip their institutions with the view of building
up denominational printing and eliminating all commercial work.”—
General Conference Publishing Department Policies, 20.
] A door is
thus opened for the communication of the light of truth.
The workmen may think themselves doing only worldly business,
when they are engaged in the very work that will call out questions in
regard to the faith and principles they hold. If they are of the right spirit
they will be able to speak words in season. If the light of heavenly
truth and love is in them, it cannot but shine out. The very manner
in which they conduct business will make manifest the working of
divine principles. Of our workers, the artisans, as of one of old, it may
be said: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in
understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.”
[161]
Exodus 31:3
.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:161, 162
.
Commercial work should in no case become all-absorbing. The
Lord would have the truth go forth as a lamp that is trimmed and burn-
ing.... The commercial work should bring the believers in connection
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