A Christian is a Christlike man, and for the very reason that he carries heavy responsibilities, he feels it degrading to himself to be in the slightest degree oppressive. If those who are in command have not self-control, they place themselves below the servant. God expects the steward whom He honors to represent the Master. If he cannot represent the patience, the kindness, the long-suffering love, the honesty and self-denial of Christ; if he forgets that he is a servant, and lifts himself up, it would be well for the people to discharge him.
God expects every man to be faithful in his stewardship. Self is not to be glorified. The man who is faithful to his trust will not stop to consider if he is going to be honored by any course of action, but will ask, Will God be honored? His soul will be filled with a holy desire to see God magnified. When something tries his patience, he will pray, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.” Psalm 62:5.
MS-115-1899
MARKING A PRECISE LINE FOR OTHERS
I have borne much sorrow and heartache as I have seen men occupying positions of trust who seem to have no ability to reason from cause to effect. Representations are made to me in the night season, and I cannot rest. . . .
What can be done to make these men with such strong traits of character realize that they need to be re-converted. Unless this experience comes to them, they will never become members of the royal family, children of the Heavenly King. They are wrapping themselves up in a garment of self-confidence.
The kind of planning that would make one man a center and pattern neither he nor any other man can carry out. This is not the way in which the53Lord works. He works through different individual minds to accomplish His purposes, and in the simplest ways, that they may reflect the great out-shining of His love. When one man thinks that his mind is to outline the large moves in the work of God, that his abilities are to accomplish the greatest work, he limits the power of God to fulfil His purposes in the earth.
God needs men and women who will work in the simplicity of Christ to bring the knowledge of truth before those who need its converting power. But when a precise line is laid down which the workers must follow in their efforts to proclaim the message, a limit is set to the usefulness of a great number of workers. I am charged to speak saying, God seeth not as man seeth. Those who occupy responsible positions need far less of the exercise of human wisdom and more of the sanctification of the Spirit revealed in the lowliness and gentleness of Christ. They need the Holy Spirit to come into their hearts and minds, to control their wills and to sanctify their tongues. — Let. 404, 1907
REPRESSING INDIVIDUAL ACTION
Covetousness and selfishness are blinding men, so that they unwittingly make decrees that deprive men of their rights, and pass judgment on matters that cut them off from their privileges. In so doing they are as verily using oppression as are the powers of the world in restricting religious liberty. Though their power is limited, yet they are actuated by the same spirit which rules the children of disobedience. They make decisions that repress individual action, and God frowns upon their decrees, methods, and laws, that bind those whom God would have free to use the power He has given them as a precious endowment. . . .
Let those at the heart of the work see that they are clear from the practice of oppression. Let there be no lording it over God’s54heritage. Let no man, or body of men, imagine that they have the prerogative of lording it over God’s people. . . .
Every time you have made it necessary for men to come to your terms, and have so bound them that they could not do otherwise than to concede to your wishes, you have exercised a power which God has not permitted one man to exercise over another. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Has Christ given Himself for the rescue of men in order that man may be placed under human bondage? There must be a decided change in the policy of action that has been followed. . . .
God has singled out many that He would employ in His work; but there is no chance for them to come in as yet. The sentiments of men who are in positions of trust must change and the counsel of God be heeded, or they will not have the honor of being His instruments, nor will they receive the reward that is promised to His faithful stewards. — Let., 16, 1895.
BREAK EVERY YOKE
The Saviour was presented to me as standing before the congregation and addressing those who had stood to discourage and hinder others. The words were spoken. Break every yoke. You are years behind where you should be in the carrying out of the plan of redemption. Let each seek his orders from the One in whom dwelleth truth and righteousness. Let all come into right relation to God, making thorough work of repentance. Let us press our case to the throne of grace.
Let all seek for spiritual eyesight, that they may see where they have abused the mercies of God by raising up men to meet their finite ideas of duty, instead of allowing them to follow the directions of the Spirit of God. They cannot see the harm that has been done to the cause55of God by so long following human judgment, because their spiritual eyesight is blinded. I pray that thorough conversions may now be experienced. — Let. 202-1908
EQUAL RESPONSIBILITY IN PLANS
By God’s own appointment you must reap the sure result of your own course of action. The selfishness and injustice toward brethren, in thought, word, and deed, will return upon yourself. You may endeavor to justify your course, to yourself and to others, but God rejects that vindication. The only reason for what you have done is that found in a perverse heart and a perverse will. You may say, “I did not originate this or that plan;” but just so far as you sanctioned it, you were responsible, and the evil will react upon yourself. In your dealing with your brethren you have acted like a blind man, and have oppressed souls. — Let. 63-1896
THE SILENT INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
We should never stir up strife by domineering words and action. Put away everything like hard dealing, and seek for a closer walk with God. . . .
I know from the light that God has been pleased to give me that those who have long held responsible positions are inclined to feel that they have a right to exercise more authority than their positions justify them to. God will sanction no tyranny, no sharp dictation; for this naturally repels souls and they are unfavorably affected by the manifestation of this disagreeable spirit which stirs up the worst passion of the human heart. If men in responsible office do not show partiality but exercise the patience and kindness of Jesus, they will find this course more effect58-ive than the preaching of sermons, the exercise of power, or the presentation of strong argument. The silent influence of Christian character will fall upon men as the sunbeams of heaven. — Let.—22-1889
THE POWER OF KINDNESS
We may never know until the judgment the influence of a kind, considerate course of action to the inconsistent, the unreasonable, and unworthy.
If after a course of provocation and injustice on their part, you treat them as you would an innocent person, you even take pains to show them special acts of kindnesses, then you have acted the part of a Christian, and they become surprised and ashamed and see their course of action and meanness more clearly than if you plainly stated their aggravated acts to rebuke them. If you had laid their wrong course of action before them, they would have braced themselves in stubbornness and defiance; but to be treated in tenderness and consideration, they feel more deeply their own course of action and contrast it with yours. Then you have the staff in your own hands. You occupy vantage ground, and when you show a solicitude for their souls, they know that you are no hypocrite, but that you mean every word you say.
I have been shown that a few words spoken in a hasty manner, under provocation, and which seemed but a little thing—just what they deserved, often cut the cords of influence that should have bound the soul to your soul. The very idea of their being in darkness, under the temptation of Satan and blinded by his bewitching power, should make you feel deep sympathy for them—the same that you would feel for a diseased patient who suffers, but, on account of his disease, is not aware of his danger. — Let. 20-1892.
FOREWORD
In Part One of this collection of manuscripts, there have been presented counsels given by Sister White to leading men in our work, setting forth the evils of a perverted system of organization and control which had developed in several branches of our denominational work, whereby there was centered in a few men large responsibilities affecting a world wide work. These messages had much influence in preparing the way for the important reorganization that was effected at the General Conference of 1901. Sister White, after nine years of labor in Australia, attended this Conference. The day before the session opened she addressed a select group of leading men, not only pointing out the mistakes of the past, but offering constructive suggestions for reform. We are confident that the present day leaders will welcome the privilege of reading some of the salient points of this memorable talk, which has never been published. They may be found in Section VIII of this collection of messages.
A selection of passages from subsequent communications are grouped in Section IX, showing clearly that Sister White heartily supported the new administration in their efforts to broaden and develop the work in harmony with the counsels that had been received, and constantly encouraged them in the trying experiences connected with controversies in Battle Creek, and in the building up of the work in the new center. She plainly stated that former reproofs were not to be used in a way to discredit Conference leaders.
A study of Sections X to XIII shows that cautions continued to be given regarding the ever present dangers of unsanctified independence on the one hand and of arbitrary dictation on the other.
The increasing activity in new lines of work, and new enterprises66seen today is an encouraging verification of Mrs. White’s predictions regarding the closing up of the gospel work for the world. Important principles relating to the new relationships thereby resulting are found in Section XV.
The collection closes with several choice extracts, assuring a glorious final triumph of a united, organized church.
In a few cases counsel of a general nature has been included in Part II, but except for these, all quotations are from documents prepared since 1901.
Also in a few cases footnotes have been given to make clear the time or the circumstances of the writing of passages that may thereby be more clearly understood.
W. C. White and D. E. Robinson
“Elmshaven”
St. Helena, Calif.
August 29, 1933
SECTION VII
THE CHURCH A CHANNEL OF LIGHT
THE UNITED EFFORT OF BELIEVERS
God has made His church on the earth a channel of light, and through it He communicates His purposes and His will. He does not give to one of His servants an experience independent of and contrary to the experience of the church itself. Neither does He give one man a knowledge of His will for the entire church, while the church — Christ’s body — is left in darkness. In His providence, He places His servants in close connection with His church, in order that they may have less confidence in themselves, and greater confidence in others whom He is leading out to advance His work.
There have ever been in the church those who are constantly inclined toward individual independence. They seem unable to realize that independence of spirit is liable to lead the human agent to have too much confidence in himself, and to trust in his own judgment rather than to respect the counsel and highly esteem the judgment of his brethren, especially of those in the offices that God has appointed for the leadership of His people. God had invested His church with special authority and power, which no one can be justified in disregarding and despising; for he who does this despises the voice of God.
Those who are inclined to regard their individual judgment as supreme, are in grave peril. It is Satan’s studied effort to separate such ones from those who are channels of light, through whom God has wrought to build up and extend His work in the earth. To neglect or despise those whom69God has appointed to bear the responsibilities of leadership in connection with the advancement of the truth, is to reject the means that He has ordained for the help, encouragement, and strength of His people. For any worker in the Lord’s cause to pass these by, and to think that his light must come through no other channel than directly from God, is to place himself in a position where he is liable to be deceived by the enemy, and overthrown. The Lord in His wisdom has arranged that by means of the close relationship that should be maintained by all believers, Christian shall be united to Christian, and church to church. Thus the human instrumentality will be enabled to cooperate with the divine. Every agency will be subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all the believers will be united in an organized and well-directed effort to give to the world the glad tidings of the grace of God. — G.W. 443-4.
POWER DELEGATED TO THE CHURCH
There has been altogether too much reliance placed upon independent, uninspired judgment. Self-sufficiency and self-esteem lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed among the people of God. The angel of God has said to me again and again, “Press together! Press together! Be of one mind, of one judgment, that God may be your Leader. Follow His footsteps, and you will walk safely. The clean heart and the right spirit are the gifts of His Son, purchased with infinite cost.”
God is teaching, leading, and guiding His people, that they may teach, lead and guide others. There will be, among the remnant of these last days, as there were with ancient Israel, those who wish to move independently, who are not willing to submit to the teachings of the Spirit of God, and who will not listen to advice or counsel. Let such ever bear in70mind that God has a church upon the earth, to which He has delegated power. Men will want to follow their own independent judgment, despising counsel and reproof; but just as surely as they do this, they will depart from the faith, and disaster and the ruin of souls will follow. Those who rally now to support and build up the truth of God, are ranging themselves on one side, standing united in heart, mind, and voice, in defense of the truth; while those who do not labor in harmony of purpose and action, who choose their own unsanctified human judgment as perfection of action, are ranging themselves on the side of Satan, and are defending His cause.
Satan will become their Leader, and they will join him in his constant endeavors to tear down that which God is building up. None of these discordant elements will be able eventually to thwart the purposes of God in the preparation of a people to stand in the great day, and in the final completion of the plan of salvation. . . .
It is a delusion of the enemy for any one to feel that he can disconnect from agencies which God has appointed, and work on an independent line of his own, in his own supposed wisdom, and yet be successful. Although he may flatter himself that he is doing God’s work, he will not prosper in the end. We are one body, and every member is to be united to the body, each person working in his respective capacity. Men must be likeminded with God, - pure, holy, sincere; not one is to be shut up to himself, to live for himself. — Und. L. 14a
THOROUGH ORGANIZATION ESSENTIAL
O, how Satan would rejoice if he could succeed in his efforts to get in among this people, and disorganize the work at a time when thorough organization is essential, and will be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings, and to refute claims not endorsed by the word of God! We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system71of organization and order that has been built up by wise, careful labor. License must not be given to disorderly elements that desire to control the work at this time.
Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man’s being independent. The stars of heaven are all under law, each influencing the other to do the will of God, yielding their common obedience to the law that controls their action. And in order that the Lord’s work may advance, healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together. Jan. 16, 1907. — G.W. p. 489
THE JUDGMENT OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
I have been shown that no man’s judgment should be surrendered to the judgment of any one man. But when the judgment of the General Conference, which is the highest authority that God has upon the earth, is exercised, private independence and private judgment must not be maintained, but be surrendered. Your error was in persistently maintaining your private judgment of your duty against the voice of the highest authority the Lord has upon the earth. — ST 492
THE DAWN OF A GLORIOUS DAY
The church of Christ is God’s agency for the proclamation of truth; she is empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is loyal to God, obedient to His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine power. If she will be true to her allegiance, there is no power that can stand against her. The forces of the enemy will be no more able72to overwhelm her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind.
There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance to the world.
God calls upon His faithful ones, who believe in Him, to talk courage to those who are unbelieving and hopeless. Turn to the Lord, ye prisoners of hope. Seek strength from God, the living God. Show an unwavering, humble faith in His power and His willingness to save. When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name. — P.K. 259-60
GOD WILL GUIDE TO THE END
I have words of encouragement for you, my brethren. We are to move forward in faith and hope, expecting large things from God. The enemy will seek in every way to hinder the efforts that are being made to advance the truth, but in the strength of the Lord you may gain success. Let no discouraging words be spoken, but only such words as will tend to strengthen and sustain your fellow-workers. . . .
When in the night season I am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in prayer to God, and He strengthens me, and gives me the assurance that He is with His ministering servants in the home field and in distant lands. I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding His people, and that he will continue to be with them, even to the end. . . .
The Lord desires to see the work of proclaiming the third angel’s message carried forward with increasing efficiency. As He has worked in all ages to give victories to His people, so in this age He longs to carry to a triumphant fulfilment His purposes for His church. He bids His believing saints to advance unitedly, going from strength to greater strength, from faith to increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of His cause. -- G.C.B. 1913, p. 164-5.
SECTION VIII
THE CALL FOR RE-ORGANIZATION IN 1901
[The three following articles are taken from a talk given by Mrs. White before a select group of leaders at the General Conference of 1901. — D.E.R.]
PAST MISTAKES POINTED OUT
Never should the mind of one man or the minds of a few men be regarded as sufficient in wisdom and power to control the work and say what plans shall be followed. The burden of the work in this broad field should not rest upon two or three men. We are not reaching the high standard which, with the great and important truth we are handling, God expects us to reach.
Over and over again men have said, “The voice of the Conference is the voice of God; therefore everything must be referred to the Conference. The Conference must permit or restrict in the various lines of work.” As the matter has been presented to me, there is a narrow compass, and within this narrow compass, all the entrances to which are locked, are those who would like to exercise kingly power. But the work carried on all over the field demands an entirely different course of action. There is need of the laying of a foundation different from the foundation which has been laid in the past. We have heard much about everything moving in the regular lines. When we see that the “regular lines” are purified and refined, that they bear the mold of the God of heaven, then it will be time to endorse these lines. . . .
God means what He says. He calls for a change. The same things are being repeated, the same ideas followed, the same committees appointed. In a small section a king reigns, and all others are secondary, when there are other men who are better able to do the work, because they have not been working on narrow plans. . . .
The Lord desires His Holy Spirit to come into this meeting. He declares that every vestige of sharpness in dealing must be removed; for He hates it. No sharpness is to be exercised toward His servants, who are working for Him, bringing the tithe into the treasury that His cause may be sustained. . . . Those in responsible places are to act in such a way that the people will have firm confidence in them. These men should not be afraid to open to the light of day everything in the management of the work . . . .
There are to be no kings in our work, no man who will put out his hand and say to God’s workmen, “You cannot go there. We will not support you if you go there.” “We”! What have they to do with the supporting? Is the means of support theirs? The money comes from the people, and God has instructed me to tell those who are working in destitute fields to go to the people and tell them their necessity. They are to draw from the people means to build up the work in the field where they are —
MS-43-1901
CHANGES CALLED FOR
When we see that the “regular lines” are purified and refined, that they bear the mold of the God of heaven, then it will be time to endorse these lines. But when we see that message after message given by God12has been received and accepted, yet no change has been made, we know that new power must be brought into the regular lines. The management of the regular lines must be entirely changed, newly organized. There must be a Committee, not composed of half a dozen men, but of representatives from all lines of our work, from our publishing houses, from our educational institutions, and from our Sanitariums, which have life in them, which are constantly working, constantly broadening. . . .
God desires that His work shall be a rising, broadening, enlarging power. But the management of the work is becoming confused in itself. Not that any one wishes to be wrong or to do wrong; but the principles are wrong. These principles are so foreign to God’s principles that God cannot bless those who work upon them. What must be done is to bring in other minds. Those who have been at work in the same channels for years have been discouraged and confused.
From the light God has given me, everything connected with this Conference is to be regarded as most sacred. Why? Because at this time the work is to be placed upon a proper basis. Wrong principles have been followed. For the last fifteen years wrong decisions have been made; and now God calls for a change. He wants in His work men of faith and capability, men who realize that there is a ladder for them to climb round by round, and that those who climb this ladder will finally step off it into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. . . .
God calls for a decided change. Do not wait until the Conference is over, and then gather up the forces to see what can be done. Let us see what can be done now. Find out what power and intelligence there is that can be brought into the Conference. Let all unite in taking hold of the work intelligently. This is what is needed.
Every institution should have a voice in the working of the cause in which they have an interest. God wants us to come to the place where we shall be united in the work, where the whole burden will not be18laid on two or three men. Unless a change is made, Brother Irwin will soon be where he cannot work at all. He needs support. He has been in the work of wrestling so long that he must have a change, or else he will break down. . . .
When the cause was younger, my husband used to counsel with men who had sound judgment. The work was much smaller than it is now, but he did not feel able to manage it alone. He chose counselors from among those bearing responsibility in all parts of the world. And after counseling together, these men would go back to their work feeling a still greater responsibility to carry the work forward in right lines, to uplift, to purify, to solidify, so that the cause of God might move forward in strength. . . .
There is a work to be done, not by standing aloof from one another, but by working on God’s principles. The Lord wants you to stand in this strength. He wants you to open the windows of the soul heavenward and close them earthward. He wants to reveal His salvation. He wants the medical missionary work and the gospel to be inseparably bound together. His work is to be a united whole. God wants the talents He has given Dr. Kellogg. He wants the talents that are in our institutions to be connected with the management of His work. Committees are to be formed which will have an interest in every part of the work. Then the work will be managed on a higher grade than it has yet been managed. — MS-43-1901
THE PLACE OF THE MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK
IN THE NEW ORDER
I thank God for the medical missionary work. God will call for every soul who is educated to work in this line in connection with the gospel ministry. He has places for them. Let not one stone be placed in the way of those who are striving to teach our youth how to do this work. . . .
The medical missionary work is to be regarded as the pioneer work. It is to be the means of breaking down prejudice. As the right arm, it is to open doors for the gospel message. . . .
Christ’s ministers must stand in an altogether different position. They must be evangelists, they must be medical missionaries. They must take hold of the work intelligently. But it is of no use for them to think that they can do this while they drop the work which God has said should be connected with the gospel. If they drop out the medical missionary work, they need not think they can carry forward their work successfully, for they have only half the necessary facilities. — MS-43-1901
CIRCUMSCRIBED CHANNELS
Pharisaism in the Christian world today is not extinct. The Lord desires to break up the course of precision which has become so firmly established, which has hindered instead of advancing His work. He desires His people to remember that there is a large space over which the light of present truth is to be shed. Divine wisdom must have abundant room in which to work. It is to advance without asking permission or support from those who have taken to themselves a kingly power.
In the past one set of men have tried to keep in their own hands the control of all the means coming from the churches, and have used this means in a most disproportionate manner, erecting expensive buildings where such large buildings were unnecessary and uncalled for, and leaving needy places without help or encouragement. They have taken upon themselves the grave responsibility of retarding the work where the work should have been advanced.
It has been left to a few supposed kingly minds to say what fields should be worked and what fields should be left unworked. A few men have kept the truth in circumscribed channels, because to open new fields would call for money.36Only in those places in which they were interested have they been willing to invest means. And at the same time, in a few places, five times as much money as was necessary has been invested in buildings. The same amount of money used in establishing plants in places where the truth had never been introduced would have brought many souls to a saving knowledge of Christ.
For years the same routine, the same “regular way” of working has been followed, and God’s work has been greatly hindered. The narrow plans that have been followed by those who did not have clear, sanctified judgment has resulted in a showing that is not approved by God.
Something Done — Let Not the Work Stop
God calls for a revival and a reformation. The “regular lines” have not done the work which God desires to see accomplished. Let revival and reformation make constant changes. Something has been done in this line, but let not the work stop here. No! Let every yoke be broken. Let men awaken to the realization that they have an individual responsibility.
The present showing is sufficient to prove to all who have the true missionary spirit that the regular lines may prove a failure and a snare. God helping His people, the circle of kings who dared to take such great responsibilities shall never again exercise their unsanctified power in the so-called “regular lines.” Too much power has been invested in unrevived, unreformed human agencies. Let not selfishness and covetousness be allowed to outline the work which must be done to fulfil the grand noble commission which Christ has given to every disciple. He, our Lord and Master, has given us an example, in His life of self-sacrifice, of the way in which we must work to advance the kingdom of God. . . .
Shall the “regular lines” which say that every mind shall be controlled by two or three minds at Battle Creek, continue to bear sway?37The Macedonian cry is coming from every quarter. Shall men go to the “regular lines” to see whether they will be permitted to labor, or shall they go out and work as best they can, depending on their own abilities and on the help of the Lord, beginning in a humble way and creating an interest in the truth in places in which nothing has been done to give the warning message?
A Call for Self-Supporting Volunteers
The Lord has encouraged those who have started out on their own responsibility to work for Him, their hearts filled with love for souls ready to perish. A true missionary spirit will be imparted to those who seek earnestly to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent. The Lord lives and reigns. Young men, go forth into the places to which you are directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Work with your hands, that you may be self-supporting, and as you have opportunity proclaim the message of warning. — Lt-60-1901
SECTION IX
MESSAGES OF CONFIDENCE AND COMMENDATION
A RECOGNITION OF REFORMS EFFECTED
Your course would have been the course to be pursued if no change had been made in the General Conference. But a change has been made, and many more changes will be made and greater developments will be seen. No issues are to be forced. . . .
It hurts me to think that you are using words which I wrote prior to the Conference. Since the Conference great changes have been made. Do not urge that mother has said thus and so. I know that reforms are to be made, but when I am not present to hear the words that are spoken, I cannot advise you to select a few words from a letter I have written, and use these words to forbid a course which the brethren wish to pursue. . . .
A terribly unjust course has been pursued in the past. A want of principle has been revealed. But in pity to His people God has brought about changes. . . . When the Lord takes hold of the work as He did at our last Conference, your mother can stand back and not be brought so prominently into matters. And Oh, how pleased I am when this can be so. . . .
The Lord Himself interposed to set things in order. He has given His Holy Spirit. I am confident that He will set in order the matters that seem to be moving wrong. — Let-54-1901
A MESSAGE OF COMMENDATION
In a vision of the night a short time ago, I was in council meetings. At these meetings words were spoken that savored of the human49more than of the divine. The medical work in Great Britain was under consideration. Plans were proposed which, unless modified, would bind about the work and fail of relieving the situation. The General Conference was asked to pledge itself to raise a sum no less than twenty thousand dollars, or to become responsible for that amount, to establish a sanitarium in Great Britain. Because Elder Daniells refused to consent to place this additional obligation upon the General Conference, he was severely reflected upon by some. But, under the existing circumstances, he felt that he was forbidden by the Lord to lay this burden upon the Conference. I honor Elder Daniells’ judgment on this question. . . .
When men in positions of responsibility are in such a hurry to establish some new institution that is untimely, the showing made is not only against the interests of the Lord’s cause, but against the interests of the men who in human wisdom have tried to advance too rapidly. God is not glorified by those who attempt to go faster than He leads. Perplexity, embarrassment, and distress is the result. The Lord does not desire His representatives to repeat these mistakes; for the past record of such movements does not glorify Him. — MS-144-1902
LEADERS IN TIMES OF PERIL
In this perilous time the Lord has given us men of His choice to stand as the leaders of His people. If these men will keep humble and prayerful, ever making Christ their confidant, listening to and obeying His words, the Lord will lead and strengthen them. God has chosen Elder Daniells to bear responsibilities, and has promised to make him capable by His grace of doing the work entrusted to him. The responsibilities of the position he occupies are great, and the tax upon his strength and courage is severe; and the Lord calls upon us to hold up his hands, as he strives with all the powers of mind and body to advance the work. The Lord desires every church to offer prayer for him as he bears these heavy responsibilities. Our60brethren and sisters should not stand ready to criticise and condemn those who are bearing heavy burdens. Let us refuse to listen to the words of censure spoken regarding the men upon whom rest such weighty responsibilities...
I know that Elder Daniells is the right man in the right place. He has stood nobly for the truth, and has striven earnestly to deal in a right way with the controversies arising regarding the relation of the medical work to the evangelical work.
If the men whom the Lord has chosen to stand in positions of responsibility will heed the testimonies that God has given and is giving, if they will keep close to His word, if they will separate from those who are binding up with worldly influences, they will be safe men for the times upon which we have entered. — Written in 1904. Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, p. 41
CRITICIZING THE ADMINISTRATION
I have cautions to give you. Do not speak words that will disparage Brethren Prescott and Daniells. Let your words be well-chosen. Nothing will hurt your influence more than for you to speak as if the present administration were to blame for diverting means into the wrong channel. This will react on you, and will be displeasing to God. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt. The light given me is that by accusing those bearing responsibilities, you will in the end hedge up your own way. Be a man of sound judgment. Make no breach between you and your brethren. . . .
Do not seek to disparage the General Conference, or to judge any man. Do not speak words that will leave a wrong impression on the minds of any regarding your brethren who have been appointed to do a special work for this time. We must keep a clean record.
The light given me by the Lord is that we are all to stand shoulder to shoulder, united as brethren under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit. . . .
Let nothing lead you to do one wrong act. Do not speak one word that might arouse suspicions regarding the men bearing responsibilities in the General Conference. Do not sow seeds of mistrust.
I have a most pointed message to bear regarding the necessity of coming into unity, and refusing to join the enemy in accusing and criticizing. Be true to yourself, true to your brethren, and true to God. There must be no judging of one another. We are each to walk as in the sight of a holy God. — Letter 77, 1905
COUNSEL, CO-OPERATION, AND COURAGE
In the afternoon, Brethren Prescott and Daniells and Brother I. H. Evans called to see me. . . . We talked long and earnestly in regard to the way in which the work should be advanced, and how some matters in Battle Creek should be managed. As the sun was setting, we had a praying season, in which all joined. We believe that the Lord our counselor will give us light as to how we should move. — L-241-1904
A PROTEST AGAINST UNJUST JUDGMENT
Brethren Daniells and Prescott placed themselves in line to do the very work the Lord assigned them in moving the publishing work from Battle Creek to Washington, D.C. The Lord has greatly blessed them in every step they have taken in accordance with the light He has given them. His signature has been upon their work, and He will be with them still if they will continue to look steadfastly to Him as their Teacher and their example. If they turn aside, as did Solomon, to work contrary to God’s designs, then the Lord can not cooperate with them. . . .
I will not be silent and see the men misjudged whom the Lord has been leading to do a certain work in Washington. — MS-58-1904.