Publishing Work
375
own plans for the gratification of having their own way, irrespective of
consequences.
Those connected with our office of publication at Battle Creek are
not what they should be nor what they might be. They think their
tastes, habits, and opinions are correct. They are in constant danger of
becoming narrow in their ideas and jealous of the Pacific Press, and of
standing in an attitude to criticize and have feelings of superiority. This
feeling is suffered to grow and to mar and hinder their own interests
and also the interests of the work on the Pacific Coast, all because
selfish feelings control and prevent clear discernment as to what is for
their own good and for the advancement and upbuilding of the cause
[418]
of God. This sectional feeling is contrary to the spirit of Christ. God
is displeased with it; He would have every particle of it overcome.
The cause is one; the vineyard is one great field, with God’s servants
employed in various parts of the work. There should be no aim but to
work disinterestedly to warn the careless and to save the lost.
The men connected with the work of God in the office, the sani-
tarium, and the college can be accounted safe men only so far as they
assimilate to the character of Christ. But many have inherited traits of
character that in no way represent the divine Model. There are many
who have some defect of character received as a birthright, which they
have not overcome, but have cherished as though it were fine gold, and
brought with them into their religious experience. In many cases these
traits are retained through the entire life. For a time no particular harm
may be seen to result from them; but the leaven is at work, and when a
favorable opportunity arrives, the evil manifests itself.
Some of these men who have marked deformities of character
have strong, decided opinions and are unyielding when it would be
Christlike to yield to others whose love for the cause of truth is just
as deep as their own. Such persons need to cultivate opposite traits
of character and to learn to esteem others better than themselves.
When they become connected with an important enterprise, where
great designs are to be worked out, they should be careful lest their
own peculiar ideas and special traits of character have an unfavorable
influence on its development. The Lord saw the danger that would
result from one man’s mind and judgment controlling decisions and
working out plans, and in His Inspired Word we are commanded to
be subject one to another and to esteem others better than ourselves.