Economy in Operating
[
Testimonies for the Church 4:571-573
(1881).]
Economy in the outlay of means is an excellent branch of Christian
wisdom. This matter is not sufficiently considered by those who
occupy responsible positions in our institutions. Money is an excellent
gift of God. In the hands of His children it is food for the hungry,
drink for the thirsty, and raiment for the naked; it is a defense for
the oppressed and a means of health to the sick. Means should not
be needlessly or lavishly expended for the gratification of pride or
ambition.
Principle Must Control
In order to meet the real wants of the people, the stern motives
of religious principle must be a controlling power. When Christians
and worldlings are brought together, the Christian element is not to
assimilate with the unsanctified. The contrast between the two must be
kept sharp and positive. They are servants of two masters. One class
strive to keep the humble path of obedience to God’s requirements,—
the path of simplicity, meekness, and humility,—imitating the Pattern,
Christ Jesus. The other class are in every way the opposite of the
first. They are servants of the world, eager and ambitious to follow
its fashions in extravagant dress and in the gratification of appetite.
This is the field in which Christ has given those connected with the
sanitarium their appointed work. We are not to lessen the distance
between us and worldlings by coming to their standard, stepping down
from the high path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.
But the charms exhibited in the Christian’s life—the principles carried
out in our daily work, in holding appetite under the control of reason,
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maintaining simplicity in dress, and engaging in holy conversation—
will be a light continually shining upon the pathway of those whose
habits are false....
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