p. 153 | PROPRIETY IN CONNECTION WITH OUR ORGANIZATIONS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, March 10, 1885.

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 10. Whole No. 1605.

PROPRIETY IN CONNECTION WITH OUR ORGANIZATIONS.

By G. I. B.

THE system of organization adopted by Seventh-day Adventists is very simple. Our General Conference is composed of State Conferences, and the State Conferences of churches; and the same principle holds good in our tract societies, and Sabbath-school and health and temperance organizations. Yet with all the simplicity of this system, it is very efficient if the principles upon which it is established are duly considered and carried out; but if these principles are neglected, the real object of the organization is not accomplished. The general organization, of which the different Conferences, tract societies, Sabbath-schools, etc., form a part, is designed to act as general counselor, to give such advice that all parts of the system may act in harmony with each other, and accomplish the object for which the whole was designed. It is evident that unless there is mutual counsel and understanding between the presidents of Conferences, tract societies, Sabbath-school and temperance associations, and the president of each of these general organizations, there will be confusion, and misunderstanding may arise. This should be avoided if possible; and it may be, if there is mutual counsel between the general and State organizations.

At the annual meetings, where the whole body of our people is represented, officers are elected to manage the various general organizations through the year. Plans are formed to be carried out during the time for which these officers are elected; but oftentimes other matters come up concerning which there has been no general understanding. In such cases before steps are taken to carry out plans in each State, counsel should be exchanged between the State and general officers.

As a simple illustration of the application of these principles, we will notice a matter. We see some of our State societies are proposing to raise funds, by means of the Sabbath-school donations, for helping the Australian mission. The object is certainly a good one, and the General Conference, which has charge of all our missions, would be willing to receive all possible help in this direction; but we question quite seriously the propriety of State Sabbath-school Associations moving in this matter here and there without consultation with the general officers of the Sabbath-school Association. We are embarrassed somewhat at the REVIEW Office by communications coming in from State officers where we fear no consultation had been taken with the general officers. It has placed the REVIEW in a position of perplexity. As it is our church paper we are glad to assist in every good work, and wish to publish matters of interest that will help forward this cause; yet we feel it is not a proper principle to publish notices from the States when there has been no consultation, and no mutual agreement between them and the general officers of the Association. If the officers of that Association shall think it best to turn the funds of the Sabbath-school Association in favor of the Australian mission, we certainly would not complain; but they might by so doing cripple their own interest, for which these funds are supposed to be raised, which would do more injury than their contributions to the mission would do good.

As the S. S. Association has elected general officers who are efficient and reliable, we do not feel at all anxious to volunteer counsel as to what disposition

they shall make of their funds; but we do believe this principle should ever be regarded by all State associations, Conferences, tract societies, etc.,—to have mutual counsel between the State officers and the general officers before any new plans are formed.

G. I. B.