Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 103—Laborers in the OfficeHere I will give two testimonies, one of them written March, 1867,addressed to all engaged in the work at the Review office, the otheraddressed to the young who labor in the office. I am sorry to say thatall those warned have more or less disregarded these testimonies andnow have to confess that they pursued a course contrary to that pointedout by the testimonies. The first is as follows:While in Rochester, New York, December 25, 1865, I was shownsome things concerning those who are engaged in the work at theoffice, also in regard to ministers whom God has called to labor inword and doctrine. Neither of these should engage in merchandise ortraffic. They are called to a more sacred, elevated work, and it wouldbe impossible for them to do justice to the work and still carry on their [586]traffic. Those engaged at the office should have no separate interest.When they have given to the work that attention and care which itdemands, they have done all they are able to do, and should not befurther taxed. If trafficking which has no connection with the work ofGod engages the mind and occupies time, the work will not be donethoroughly and well. At the best, those engaged in the work have nophysical or mental energy to spare. All are to a greater or less degreeenfeebled. Such a cause, such a sacred work, as that in which theyare employed should engage the powers of the mind; they should notlabor mechanically, but be sanctified to the work and act as though thecause was a part of them, as though they had invested something inthis great and solemn work. Unless they thus take hold of this matterwith interest, their efforts will not be acceptable to God.Satan is very artful, busy, and active. His special power is broughtto bear upon those who are now engaged in the work of preaching orpublishing the present truth. All in connection with this work needto keep on the whole armor, for they are the special marks for Satanto attack. I saw that there is danger of becoming unguarded so thatSatan will obtain an entrance and imperceptibly divert the mind fromthe great work. Those who fill responsible positions in the office are541