Our Publishing Houses
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mistake and results in loss. The work of repairing sometimes amounts
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to double what it would had it received attention in season. Many
fearful losses and fatal accidents have occurred by putting off matters
which should have received immediate attention. The season for action
is spent in hesitancy, thinking that tomorrow will do; but tomorrow
is frequently found to be too late. Our offices suffer financially every
day on account of indecision, dallying, recklessness, indolence, and,
on the part of some, downright dishonesty. There are some employed
in these offices who pass along as indifferently as though God had
given them no mental powers to be exercised in care-taking. Such are
unfitted for any post of duty; they can never be depended upon. Men
and women who shun duties in which difficulties are involved will
remain weak and inefficient.
Those who educate themselves to do their work with dispatch, as
well as with economy, will drive their business instead of allowing
their business to drive them. They will not be constantly hurried and
perplexed because their work is in confusion. Diligence and earnest
fidelity are indispensable to success. Every hour’s work passes in
review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
The record of wasted moments and unimproved opportunities must be
met when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened and
everyone shall be judged according to the things written in the books.
Selfishness, envy, pride, jealousy, idleness, or any other sin which
is cherished in the heart, will exclude one from the blessedness of
heaven. “To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants
ye are.”
Our offices are suffering for the want of men of stability and firm-
ness. As I was shown from room to room I saw that the work was
conducted with indifference. Losses are sustained at every position of
trust. The lack of thoroughness is apparent. While some have borne
the burdens of care and responsibility, others, instead of sharing these
burdens, have pursued a course to increase anxiety and care. Those
who have not learned the lesson of economy, and acquired the habit
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of making the most of their time in childhood and youth will not be
prudent and economical in any business in which they engage. It is
a sin to neglect to so improve our faculties that they may be used to
the glory of God. All have responsibilities to bear; not one can be
excused.