54
The Publishing Ministry
requires of a steward that he be found faithful. A manager must be a
growing man in order to meet the difficulties as well as the opportu-
nities that are constantly arising. He should be quick to discern what
needs to be done, and take active measures to accomplish the work at
the right time.—
Letter 74, 1896
. (
Special Testimony to the Managers
and Workers in our Institutions, 4, 5
.)
The First Business of Life—Men should be chosen to stand at
the head of our institutions who have not only good, sound judgment,
but a high moral tone, who will be circumspect in their deportment,
pure in speech, remembering their high and holy calling, and that there
is a Watcher, a true Witness to every word and act....
Managers and workers, are your souls united to Christ as the branch
is united to the living vine? If you have not been renewed in the spirit
of your mind, for your soul’s sake make no delay to have your life hid
with Christ in God.
This is the first business of your life. When Christ is abiding in the
heart, you will not be light, trifling, and immodest, but circumspect
and reliable in every place, sending forth pure words like streams from
[66]
a pure fountain, refreshing all with whom you come in contact. If you
decide to continue your idle talk and frivolous conduct, go to some
other place, where your influence and example will not be so widely
felt in contaminating other souls....
It is time that we as Christians reach a much higher standard. God
forbid that any institution that He has planted shall become a means
of decoying souls, a place where iniquity is taught. Let all learn in
the school of Christ meekness, purity, and lowliness of heart. Let
them hang their helpless souls on Jesus. Live in the light shining from
the oracles of God. Educate mind and heart to pure, elevated, holy
thoughts. “Be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”....
Great decision of character will now be necessary on your part, to
change this order of things. No weak efforts will accomplish the work.
You cannot do it of yourselves; you must have the grace of Christ, or
you can never overcome. All your plans will prove a failure unless
you are actuated by higher motives, and upheld by greater strength,
than you can have in and of yourselves.—
Letter 74, 1896
. (
Special
Testimony to the Managers and Workers in our Institutions, 14-16
.)
Faithful in Public Worship—Those standing at the head of the
publishing work should remember that they are an example to many;