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Testimonies for the Church Volume 7
Every man or woman employed in the publishing house should be
a faithful sentinel, watching that nothing be wasted. All should guard
against supposed wants that require an expenditure of means. Some
men live better on four hundred dollars a year than others do on eight
hundred. Just so it is with our institutions; some persons can manage
them with far less capital than others can. God desires all the workers
to practice economy, and especially to be faithful accountants.
Every worker in our institutions 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 responsibilities
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.
If a woman is appointed by the Lord to do a certain work, her
work should be estimated according to its value. Some may think it
good policy to allow persons to devote their time and labor to the work
without compensation. But God does not sanction such arrangements.
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When self-denial is required because of a dearth of means, the burden
is not to rest wholly upon a few persons. Let all unite in the sacrifice.
The Lord desires those entrusted with His goods to show kindness
and liberality, not niggardliness. Let them not, in their deal, try to
exact every cent possible. God looks with contempt on such methods.
* * * * *
Workers should receive compensation according to the hours they
give in honest labor. The one who gives full time is to receive according
to the time. If one enlists mind, soul, and strength in bearing the
burdens, he is to be paid accordingly.
* * * * *
No man should be granted an exorbitant salary, even though he
may possess special capabilities and qualifications. The work done