God’s Purpose in the Publishing Work
43
keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. Let every effort
be made to arouse and encourage the missionary spirit. Let the workers
be impressed with a sense of the high privilege proffered them in this
[53]
last work of salvation, to be used by God as His helping hand. Let each
be taught to work for others, by practical labor for souls just where he
is. Let all learn to look to the word of God for instruction in every line
of missionary effort. Then, as the word of the Lord is communicated
to them, it will supply their minds with suggestions for working the
fields in such a way as to bring to God the best returns from all parts
of His vineyard.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:144-148
.
Missionary Institutions With Missionary Spirit—In the provi-
dence of God we have institutions established among us to advance
the promulgation of truth, but they do not reach the efficiency that they
might if the workers were wholly consecrated to God....
These instrumentalities are missionary institutions. The Lord de-
signed that they should be a power for good; and if all who are con-
nected with them are consecrated, if they are meek and lowly in heart,
Christ will give them most precious lessons in His school. In our health
institutions, our publishing houses, our schools, all should work har-
moniously to carry out the purpose of God, and everything connected
with the institutions should tend toward reform. The managers and
helpers should have the true missionary spirit as a daily, abiding prin-
ciple; for they are in a field that requires the highest kind of missionary
work. Our institutions, properly conducted, will exert a far-reaching
influence, and if the managers and the workers are Christians, they
will be as shining lights.—
Letter 74, 1896
. (
Special Testimony to the
Managers and Workers in our Institutions, 3, 4
.)
Follow Divine Not Worldly Policy—I was shown that the pub-
lishing work was arranged and established under the special supervi-
sion of God. Those connected with this work must also be under the
supervision of God, else an order of things entirely contrary to the
light of His word will be established. Those who trust to their own
wisdom will plan to carry out their special ideas. This will bring results
unfavorable to the advancement of God’s cause. There are those who
undertake to mold and fashion things according to their own perverted
[54]
judgment, when it is plainly revealed that their own hearts need to be
softened and broken under the controlling influence of God. How can
it be safe to allow such men to control in your decisions?