Chapter 22—Wages for Publishing-House Workers
A Wage Scale Seems Appropriate—Every worker in our institu-
tions should receive fair compensation. If the workers receive suitable
wages, they have the gratification of making donations to the cause. It
is not right that some should receive a large amount and others, who
are doing essential and faithful work, very little.
Yet there are cases where a difference must be made. There are
men connected with the publishing houses who carry heavy responsi-
bilities and whose work is of great value to the institution. In many
other positions they would have far less care and, financially, much
greater profit. All can see the injustice of paying such men no higher
wages than are paid to mere mechanical workers.—
Testimonies for
the Church 7:207
.
A Wage Scale 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-
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ing house. Their wages should not be fashioned after the worldling’s
standard. There should be, as far as possible, excellent judgment ex-
ercised to keep up, not an aristocracy, but an equality, which is the
law of heaven. “All ye are brethren” (
Matthew 23:8
). A few should
not demand large wages, and such wages should not be presented as
an inducement to secure ability and talents. This is placing things
on a worldly principle. The increase of wages brings with it a corre-
sponding increase of selfishness, pride, display, self-gratification, and
needless extravagance that the people who do their utmost to pay their
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