Our Publishing Houses
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profession. The injunction of Christ is: “Be ye therefore perfect, even
as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” He here shows us that
we may be as perfect in our sphere as God is in His sphere.
Those who are employed in our publishing houses are not improv-
ing as God would have them. There is a want of earnest, unselfish
interest in the work in which they are engaged. God requires these
laborers in His cause to advance in knowledge daily. They should
make a wise improvement of the faculties which God has given them,
that they may become efficient, thorough workmen and perform their
labor without loss to the office.
The wisest of men may learn useful lessons from the ways and
habits of the little creatures of the earth. The industrious bee gives
to men of intelligence an example that they would do well to imitate.
These insects observe perfect order, and no idler is allowed in the hive.
They execute their appointed work with an intelligence and activity
that are beyond our comprehension. The ants, which we consider as
only pests to be crushed under our feet, are in many respects superior
to man; for he does not as wisely improve the gifts of God. The wise
man calls our attention to the small things of the earth: “Go to the ant,
thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide,
overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her
food in the harvest.” “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare
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their meat in the summer.” We may learn from these little teachers a
lesson of faithfulness. Should we improve with the same diligence
the faculties which an all-wise Creator has bestowed upon us, how
greatly would our capacities for usefulness be increased. God’s eye
is upon the smallest of His creatures; does He not, then, regard man
formed in His image and require of him corresponding returns for all
the advantages He has given him?
The offices of publication should be set in order. Those who
labor in these institutions should have high aims and a deep and rich
experience in the knowledge of God’s will. They should ever stand on
the side of right and exert a saving influence. Every soul who names
the name of Christ should make the most of the privileges enjoyed
and faithfully perform the duties assigned him, without murmuring
or complaining. The conversation of each should be of an elevated
character, calculated to lead other minds in the right channel. The little