44
The Publishing Ministry
A great work is in danger of being misshaped and deformed by
human plans. It is in danger of being marred by men who do not
lay their foundation upon the eternal Rock. They may regard some
things as all right and other things as all wrong, just as they may be
influenced in regard to the work. Their defective spiritual eyesight
leads them to adopt a course of action that leaves God almost entirely
out of their plans. They catch at ideas advanced by men who have not
carried the burden of the work from the formation of the church called
Seventh-day Adventists....
The work of God will be greatly marred if left in the hands of
men who reason from their own human judgment. Self comes in,
and traits of character that are not in accordance with the character of
Christ put their impression on the work. A worldly policy is regarded
as wise, while the divine policy, singular in the eyes of the world,
is thought to be foolishness. A mark will thus be left on the work
which will not appear objectionable, but which will receive God’s
disapproval.—
Letter 26, 1899
.
One Agency Among Others—God works by means of instru-
ments, or second causes. He uses the gospel ministry, medical mis-
sionary work, and the publications containing present truth to impress
hearts. All are made effectual by means of faith. As the truth is heard
or read, the Holy Spirit sends it home to those who hear and read with
an earnest desire to know what is right. The gospel ministry, medical
missionary work, and our publications are God’s agencies. One is not
to supersede the other.—
Evangelism, 547
.
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