Wages for Publishing-House Workers
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arrangements with those in God’s service should be conducted as a
sacred transaction between man and his fellow man. Men have no right
to treat the workers together with God as though they were inanimate
objects to be handled about without any voice or expression of their
own.—
Letter 31a, 1894
.
Leaders and People Alike to Practice Economy— While at
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Salamanca, New York, in November, 1890, there were presented
to me many things. I was shown that there was coming into the office
a spirit that God did not approve. While some accept large wages,
there are others who have labored at their post faithfully for years, who
receive very much less. I have been repeatedly shown that God’s order
is not to be broken down and the missionary spirit extinguished....
I know there are those who practice much self-denial to pay their
tithes and make offerings to the cause of God. Those who stand at the
head of the work should take such a course that they can unblushingly
say, “Come, let us act mutually in this work which was commenced in
sacrifice, and is supported by continual self-denial.” The people should
not excel those who stand at the head of our institutions in practicing
economy, and binding about their wants.—
Selected Messages 2:193,
194
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Faithfulness Determines Value of Service—My heart is deeply
stirred by the scenes which during the night have passed before me. In
the night season I heard from some of my brethren propositions with
which I cannot agree. The statements they made indicate that they are
on the wrong track, that they have not an experience which will guard
them from deception. I was grieved to hear from the lips of some of
our brethren expressions that show neither faith in God nor loyalty to
His truth. Propositions were made that, if carried out, would lead away
from the straight and narrow way.
Some think that if higher wages were paid to men of superior
talent, these men would remain among us; then more work would
be accomplished, in a more thorough manner, and the cause of truth
would stand on a more elevated platform.
Concerning this question I have received instruction from One
who never errs. Suppose this plan were followed, “Who,” I ask, “is
competent to measure the genuine usefulness and the influence of his
fellow workmen?” No man is qualified to judge of another’s usefulness
in the service of God.
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