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The Publishing Ministry
influence others. Through them evil angels work to mislead those
who are brought in as apprentices. You should obtain for apprentices
those who are promising youth, those who love God. But if you place
them in connection with others who have no love for God, they are
in constant danger from the irreligious influence. The halfhearted
and worldly, those who are given to gossip, who dwell on the faults
of others, while neglecting their own, should be separated from the
work.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:202
.
Should Unbelievers Be Permanently Employed?—All who
connect with the institutions established by the Lord should be con-
secrated to God, soul, body, and spirit. No one who is an unbeliever
should be permanently employed. All must have their trial and test.
No one whose mind is not under the control of the Holy Spirit should
be allowed to handle the sacred work of God; for the enemy lays plans
to lead such men to do things which will hurt the work, and which may
result in great loss and hindrance. If such, because of necessity, are
brought into connection with the work for a time, and, after having had
opportunity to know the truth, are no nearer conversion than before,
quietly dismiss them....
But when such are dismissed, be very careful that they do not go
with a spirit of irritation, for you may hurt them, and it is possible for
them to hurt you and do you much harm. If they leave in a revengeful
spirit, they can communicate falsehoods, and misrepresent the work.
You will feel that something is hurting the work, you know not what.
It is the secret, underhand work that is being done. Hence the peril
of connecting with one of this class, who feels under no obligation
to surrender himself to God. All these things are to be considered.—
Letter 27, 1896
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