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The Publishing Ministry
Every man or woman employed in the publishing house should be
a faithful sentinel, watching that nothing be wasted. All should guard
against supposed wants that require an expenditure of means. Some
men live better on four hundred dollars a year than others do on eight
hundred. [
In 1902, $1.00 to $2.00 a day was the common daily wage.
]
Just so it is with our institutions; some persons can manage them with
far less capital than others can. God desires all the workers to practice
economy, and especially to be faithful accountants.—
Testimonies for
the Church 7:206, 207
. (See also
Testimonies for the Church 4:571-
574
.)
Avoid Procrastination in Labor—Important changes should take
place in our offices. To defer work which needs immediate attention
until a more convenient time is a mistake and results in loss. The
work of repairing sometimes amounts to double what it would had it
received attention in season. Many fearful losses and fatal accidents
have occurred by putting off matters which should have received im-
mediate attention. The season for action is spent in hesitancy, thinking
that tomorrow will do; but tomorrow is frequently found to be too
late. Our offices suffer financially every day on account of indecision,
dallying, recklessness, indolence, and, on the part of some, downright
dishonesty. There are some employed in these offices who pass along
as indifferently as though God had given them no mental powers to be
exercised in care-taking. Such are unfitted for any post of duty; they
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can never be depended upon. Men and women who shun duties in
which difficulties are involved will remain weak and inefficient.
Those who educate themselves to do their work with dispatch, as
well as with economy, will drive their business instead of allowing
their business to drive them. They will not be constantly hurried and
perplexed because their work is in confusion. Diligence and earnest
fidelity are indispensable to success. Every hour’s work passes in
review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
The record of wasted moments and unimproved opportunities must
be met when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened
and everyone shall be judged according to the things written in the
books....
Workers Needed, Not Drones—Our offices are suffering for the
want of men of stability and firmness. As I was shown from room to
room I saw that the work was conducted with indifference. Losses