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The Publishing Ministry
A principle should exist all through the office to economize. In
order to save the dollars, dimes and pennies must be carefully trea-
sured. Men who have been successful in business have always been
economical, persevering, and energetic. Let all connected with the
work of God begin now to educate themselves thoroughly as caretak-
ers. Even though their work may not be appreciated on earth, they
should never degrade themselves in their own eyes by unfaithfulness
in anything they undertake. It takes time for a person to become so
accustomed to a given course of life as to be happy in pursuing it.
We shall be individually, for time and eternity, what our habits make
us.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:451, 452
.
Disposal of Old Stock—Our institutions must be carefully
guarded against unnecessary losses, and also against temptation and
trial coming to the workers connected with them. Each worker is to
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help his brethren; each institution to help the other institutions.
The Word of God can always be relied upon. “My covenant will I
not break,” He says, “nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.”
“A soft answer turneth away wrath.”
When several parties have on hand large stock of certain books,
nothing should be done in bringing out new editions by one office
without consulting with those who already have quantities of the old
edition on hand. In every action care must be exercised not to take a
course that will bring loss upon our institutions. We must deal in all
things with equity and with sanctified judgment.—
Letter 229, 1903
.
Faithfulness in Appointed Tasks—The workers should take Je-
sus with them in every department of their labor. Whatever is done
should be done with an exactness and thoroughness that will bear in-
spection. The heart should be in the work. Faithfulness is as essential
in life’s common duties as in those involving greater responsibility.
Some may receive the idea that their work is not ennobling; but this is
just as they choose to make it. They alone are capable of degrading
or elevating their employment. We wish that every drone might be
compelled to toil for his daily bread; for work is a blessing, not a curse.
Diligent labor will keep us from many of the snares of Satan, who
“finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.”
None of us should be ashamed of work, however small and servile
it may appear. Labor is ennobling. All who toil with head or hands
are workingmen or workingwomen. And all are doing their duty