Chapter 103—Laborers in the Office
Here I will give two testimonies, one of them written March, 1867,
addressed to all engaged in the work at the Review office, the other
addressed to the young who labor in the office. I am sorry to say that
all those warned have more or less disregarded these testimonies and
now have to confess that they pursued a course contrary to that pointed
out by the testimonies. The first is as follows:
While in Rochester, New York, December 25, 1865, I was shown
some things concerning those who are engaged in the work at the
office, also in regard to ministers whom God has called to labor in
word and doctrine. Neither of these should engage in merchandise or
traffic. They are called to a more sacred, elevated work, and it would
be impossible for them to do justice to the work and still carry on their
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traffic. Those engaged at the office should have no separate interest.
When they have given to the work that attention and care which it
demands, they have done all they are able to do, and should not be
further taxed. If trafficking which has no connection with the work of
God engages the mind and occupies time, the work will not be done
thoroughly and well. At the best, those engaged in the work have no
physical or mental energy to spare. All are to a greater or less degree
enfeebled. Such a cause, such a sacred work, as that in which they
are employed should engage the powers of the mind; they should not
labor mechanically, but be sanctified to the work and act as though the
cause was a part of them, as though they had invested something in
this great and solemn work. Unless they thus take hold of this matter
with interest, their efforts will not be acceptable to God.
Satan is very artful, busy, and active. His special power is brought
to bear upon those who are now engaged in the work of preaching or
publishing the present truth. All in connection with this work need
to keep on the whole armor, for they are the special marks for Satan
to attack. I saw that there is danger of becoming unguarded so that
Satan will obtain an entrance and imperceptibly divert the mind from
the great work. Those who fill responsible positions in the office are
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