Commercial Versus Denominational Printing
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embarrassment, prices have been set so low that the work brings no
profit. Those who flatter themselves that there is a gain have not kept
strict account of every outgo. Do not cut down prices in order to secure
a job. Take only such work as will give a fair profit.
At the same time there should be in our business deal no shadow
of selfishness or overreaching. Let no one take advantage of any man’s
ignorance or necessity by charging exorbitant prices for work done
or for goods sold. There will be strong temptation to diverge from
the straight path; there will be innumerable arguments in favor of
conforming to custom and adopting practices that are really dishonest.
Some urge that in dealing with sharpers one must conform to custom;
that, should he maintain strict integrity, he could not carry on business
and secure a livelihood. Where is our faith in God? He owns us as His
sons and daughters on condition that we come out from the world and
be separate, and touch not the unclean thing. To His institutions as
well as to individual Christians are addressed the words, “Seek ye first
the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” and His promise is sure
that all things needed for this life shall be added.—
Testimonies for the
Church 7:163, 164
.
Printing Demoralizing Literature—When our publishing
houses do a large amount of commercial work, there is great dan-
ger that an objectionable class of literature will be brought in....
We have no permission from the Lord to engage either in the
printing or in the sale of such publications; for they are the means of
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destroying many souls. I know of what I am writing, for this matter
has been opened before me. Let not those who believe the message
for this time engage in such work, thinking to make money. The Lord
will put a blight upon the means thus obtained; He will scatter more
than is gathered.
There is another class of literature, more defiling than the leprosy,
more deadly than the plagues of Egypt, against which our publishing
houses need unceasingly to guard. In accepting commercial work,
let them beware lest matters presenting the very science of Satan be
admitted into our institutions. Let not works setting forth the soul-
destroying theories of hypnotism, spiritualism, Romanism, or other
mysteries of iniquity find a place in our publishing houses....
The managers of our institutions need to realize that in accepting
their position they become responsible for the mental food given to the