The Place of Institutional Work in Our Message
By H. W. Cottrell
INSTITUTIONAL work is an integral part in the presentation of the third angel’s message. We must have our own institutions, that we may be prepared to produce literature in time of emergency, as minutemen in war. Having the greatest message that the church has ever been entrusted with to bear to all people, we can not rely upon the public press to do our printing. It is unquestionably necessary that there be educational institutions owned and directed by us, that our children and youth may be fully instructed in the special truths of the message, and thus be prepared to do efficient work in its promulgation. Our sanitariums, restaurants, and factories, although seen from a different point of view, are equally as important as the other institutions in the extension of the one great work. There are thousands of persons whose attention can not be arrested through the distribution of literature or by the living preacher to investigate the light of truth, many of whom are both physically and spiritually sick, but they are willing to go to a sanitarium to regain health. A great opportunity to do good is thus afforded each institution. The institutions also afford employment to many of our people, who, on account of Sabbath observance, would otherwise be greatly handicapped in securing a livelihood. But the one supreme object of each denominational institution is the extension of the third angel’s message of Rev. 14: 6-14. Neither the institutions nor their work are the whole message. The final triumph of this message does not depend wholly on institutional work, but conjointly with the fruit of the work of every other department of the one great whole. In supplying the institutions with the help necessary to carry forward their work, great care should be taken not to enlist the services of those in institutional work whom the Lord has called to the ministry, Bible work, or canvassing. These workers are very important factors in the carrying forward of our work, and nothing should stand in the way of keeping their ranks well filled, and to this end only should the energies of this people be restricted in the upbuilding of institutions. All institutions should be made self-supporting, and thus they will serve the cause of truth; otherwise, the great work is checked in its onward movements, the cause being asked to serve the institution. For the success of the institution and the education of the individual, no greater number of persons should be14employed in it than can support themselves and be of profit to the institution. No plant or institution should be established on borrowed money. The enemy of souls, who is the enemy of our work, will thus ensnare us in his efforts to prevent real, healthy, aggressive work. Debt brings discouragement upon the debtor. We believe that all men should be free. There is no call for the existence of an institution that is not self-supporting. The minister, the doctor, or any other laborer in the cause of God who is not self-supporting, should of his own free will withdraw from employment, that the onward movement of the cause of God may not be hindered on his account. H. W. COTTRELL.