p. 80 | Men Wanted

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 22, 1871

Men Wanted.

AGAIN and again have we called for help at Battle Creek. And from several responses by letter, we judge that it is not very well understood what men are wanted for at Battle Creek. Some seem to think that if one not acquainted with the work of the publishing house, or at the Institute, should come to Battle Creek for a few weeks, this would release Bro. and sister White so that they could attend the eastern camp-meetings. This is entirely a mistake. Those not accustomed to this work cannot enter upon it at once. We want our most reliable men and their families at head quarters—

1. To add to the spiritual interests of our religious meetings, and to give a better tone of spirituality at the Office of Publication and the Institute.

2. To serve as counselors, trustees, and directors, and hold up the hands of those who have long borne double burdens and responsibilities in the cause.

3. As fast and as far as possible, those who are competent to do it, to work their way into the business and mechanical branches of the work, so as to release as soon as possible from “serving tables” some who should be giving themselves wholly to the word of God, and to prayer. Where are our young men who are wanted, in the spirit of consecration, to become mechanics, and helpers in the work? We do not call for second-class minds with feeble bodies. Men are wanted.

We have long stood in a responsible position, doing two men's work, loaded with cares; and, what has been worse than all the rest, we have not been sustained by faithful, straight-forward men around us. When wrongs have arisen, and we have had to reprove them; and, then, when opposition and rebellion have appeared, those around us have frequently been turned from us. These things have made our labors and cares doubly heavy.

And with but little improvement from this state of things, and with the amount of care and labor now upon us, it is not consistent that we should attend all the camp-meetings. To be compelled to remain here, fated to perpetual care, is hard, and, perhaps, has been a disappointment to some of our eastern brethren. Whatever there remains of Mrs. W. and ourself of ability to labor, is subject to the decisions of our people. But if they load us with burdens here, they cannot expect us to labor abroad.

Men are wanted at head quarters to give character to the work, that our people everywhere may have undoubted confidence in the management of our institutions. Then they will open the hand wide in charitable donations to sustain the work of God.