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said should be done. Should they now be removed from their position
of responsibility, an impression would be made that would be unjust to
them, and unfavorable to the work, because the changes made would
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be looked upon as a justification of the unjust criticisms made and the
prejudice existing. The Lord desires that no move shall be made which
would do injustice to those who have labored long and earnestly to
build up the work given them.
Many changes are made that might better never be made. Often,
when workers become discontented, instead of being encouraged to
stay where they are and make a success of their work, they are sent
to another place. But they take with them the same traits of character
that in the past have marred their work. They will manifest the same
unchristlike spirit; for they have not learned the lesson of patient,
humble service.
I plead for a different order of things. Changes must be made
in the groups of workers in our conferences and institutions. Men
of efficiency and consecration must be sought for and encouraged to
connect with the burden-bearers as helpers and co-laborers. Let there
be a harmonious union of the new and the old, in the spirit of brotherly
love. But let not changes of management be made abruptly, in such a
way as to bring discouragement to those who have labored earnestly
and successfully to bring the work to a degree of progress. God will
not sanction anything done to discourage His faithful servants. Let the
principles of justice be followed by those whose duty it is to secure the
most efficient management for our publishing houses, our sanitariums,
and our schools.
God calls for workers. The cause needs men who are self-made,
who, placing themselves in the hands of the Lord as humble learners,
have proved themselves workers together with Him. These are the
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men that are needed in the ministry and in the school work. Let those
who have shown themselves to be men move out, and do what they can
in the Master’s service. Let them step into the ranks of workers, and
by patient, continuous effort prove their worth. It is in the water, not
on the land, that we learn to swim. Let them fill with fidelity the place
to which they are called, that they may become qualified to bear still
higher responsibilities. God gives all opportunity to perfect themselves
in His service....