Chapter 16—The Result of Reformation
St. Helena, California,
September 26, 1901
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. [88]
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
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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
[89] 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.”
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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
