Dear Brother Daniells: Yesterday morning
I read your letter, in which you express your ardent desire to
see a strong corps of workers sent to India and China and other
Oriental countries. Last night instruction was given me that
at present our principal efforts are not to be made especially
for China or other fields similar to China. We first have a work
to do at home. All our institutions--our sanitariums, publishing
houses, and schools--are to reach a higher standard. Then the
workers sent to foreign fields will reach a higher standard.
They will be more earnest, more spiritual, and their labors will
be more effective.
Years ago the Lord gave me special directions
that buildings should be erected in various places in America,
Europe, and other lands for the publication of literature containing
the light of present truth. He gave instruction that every effort
should be made to send forth to the world from the press the
messages of invitation and warning. Some will be reached by our
literature who would not be reached in any other way. From our
books and papers bright beams of light are to shine forth to
enlighten the world in regard to present truth.
Workers who are not benefited by the advantages
they receive in connection with the cause of God should not be
brought into our offices of publication. Neither should matter
of an objectionable character be introduced into these institutions,
for by so doing the sacred truth of God is placed on a level
with common matters. And when outside work is brought in, a correspondingly
large number of workers must be employed. This brings care and
perplexity.
I have been shown that mistakes are being
made in our publishing houses. There is a constant increase of
expensive machinery for the doing of commercial work. A large
amount of work has been brought in that has no relation to the
work which in faith and love is to be accomplished for the salvation
of human beings. Time and talent have been used in doing a class
of work that has brought no glory to God. Much effort has been
put forth in lines that do nothing to spread a knowledge of the
truth.
It is high time that consideration be given
to this matter. This mistake must be corrected. It is not wisdom
to use money to establish enterprises that consume without producing.
It is said that more room is needed in the publishing houses.
But there is ample room in them, and when the right thing is
done, it will be seen that there is sufficient room.
Far less commercial work should be received
into our offices of publication, and not a line of matter containing
Satan's sentiments should be received. The introduction of such
matter destroys all sense of the sacredness of the institution.
The whole institution is cheapened. There is always danger, when
the common is mingled with the sacred, that the common will be
allowed to take the place of the sacred.
How does the Lord regard the using of the
presses in His institutions to print the errors of the enemy?
When objectionable matter is mingled with sacred matter coming
from the presses, His blessing cannot rest upon the work done.
Said the divine Teacher: "What have you gained by bringing
in this outside work? It has brought you much vexation of spirit;
and the workers have had to hurry and rush to get the matter
finished in the specified time. This has occasioned confusion
and strife. Harsh words have been spoken, and an unpleasant spirit
has been brought into the office.
The financial gain in no way compares with the loss which has
come through rushing and driving and scolding and fretting."
May the Lord help His people to see that
this is not wisdom and that far more is lost than is gained.
If less machinery and fewer workers had been brought together
in one place while other portions of the vineyard were destitute
of facilities; if more money had been spent in making plants
in various places, God would have been better pleased. It is
not sanctified ambition that has led to the investment of so
much money in one place. It is a mistake for our brethren to
run so many presses for the printing of merely secular matter.
We are fast approaching the end. The printing and circulation
of the books and papers that contain the truth for this time
are to be our work.
There is a marked neglect of the cautions
and warnings that have been given from time to time. When there
is a seeking of the Lord and a confession of sin, when the needed
reformation takes place, united zeal and earnestness will be
shown in restoring what has been withheld. The Lord will manifest
His pardoning love, and means will come to cancel the debts on
our institutions.