(1896年3月13日写于澳大利亚新南威尔士州库兰邦，“森尼赛德”)
在夜间的异象中，我听一位讲话有权柄者在说话，是关于上帝圣工中各种职责的勉言。那位教师说：工作不可凭着心血来潮。这样的事已发生多次了。有人以权威自居。但是人不可依赖可怜，有限，易犯错误的人类。他们应该完全信赖在上帝的智慧中获得力量的智慧。把这么多责任集中在巴特尔克里克，这是不妥的，已经提出了多次，但这些忠告没有得到遵行。人用手段回避、曲解和取消来自上帝的责备和警告。他们与上帝对抗，接受人的判断。{SpTA08 2.1}
在巴特尔克里克等地，楼房建了又建，为的是炫耀。人们以为这会表现圣工的特色。但他们自己的品格需要被基督的恩典改变，这会使他们能够代表基督。只有这样才能展示圣工的特色。没有祂的恩典，就不能做什么。{SpTA08 2.2}
主容许阻碍发生，好使人谦卑，恳切，坚持不懈地寻求祂的智慧和能力，并使祂的智慧和能力清楚地彰显出来。人若骄傲虚妄，自吹自擂，对同胞、即上帝的产业盛气凌人，就肯定会迅速与上帝分离，并自取败亡。“你们不是自己的人;……你们是重价买来的”(林前6:19,20)，就是用上帝儿子的宝血买来的。唯独主应得到高举。每一个人都要守住自己的本位，不要设法进入应由上帝占据的位置。人们一直以来太信赖人了。{SpTA08 2.3}
在巴特尔克里克你会有证据表明，那些说话最多的人并没有与上帝同行。那里有大量的活动，但与基督合作的却不多。那些离开祂行走作工的人，在规划和设计自己的方法时最为积极。他们如果拥有来自一切智慧之源的智慧，就会三思而行，更认真地研究因果关系。他们就会看清在巴特尔克里克的少数人不应受权管理圣工的一切事务。{SpTA08 3.1}
各州区会应由敬爱上帝的人负责。他们是有能力的人，愿意在基督的学校中学习作祂同工，负祂的轭，担祂的担子。在救灵的神圣工作中与祂合作。教会的所有成员都要满怀兴趣和热情地工作，不像许多人那样，争着要看谁要成为最大的，如何获得最高的工资，而是要努力为基督得人。这就意味着与基督合作同工。让所有人都竭尽全力吧。{SpTA08 3.2}
这个问题摆在我面前，我设法把它告诉弟兄们。交给巴特尔克里克少数人的责任太多了。这些人需要圣灵改变人心的能力，否则他们会把上帝的产业带入歧途。各区会都在注意这个圣工中心的每一动作。各区会也受到诱导巴望着巴特尔克里克的领导人，觉得如果没有他们批准，就不能采取任何重要的行动。这种倾向已越来越强烈，直到成了圣工发展的一个严重阻碍。本来决不应该有这种安排。主希望祂的子民受祂的管辖。他们应该仰望上帝，凭着信心请教祂，竭力明白祂天意的作为。{SpTA08 4.1}
所有的金钱都必须经巴特尔克里克安排，并受巴特尔克里克少数人的控制，这种管理方式是错误的。太多的重大责任给了少数人，其中一些人并没有以上帝为他们的顾问。这些人如何了解国外工作的需要呢?他们怎么知道如何解决来向他们请教的各种问题呢?即使没有耽搁，国外的人也需要三个月的时间才能接到对他们的问题的回复。{SpTA08 4.2}
在每一个国家，都应指定一个人负责圣工的整体权益。他不一定是传道人，也不一定很精明。但他应该是一个无私的人，一个热爱、尊荣并敬畏他上帝的人。他全部的时间应该投在工作上。他应该本着敬畏上帝的心无私地制定计划。要让他在那个国家作总负责，与由最好的人组成的议事会相配合，好一同商议，照看在他们国内的圣工。在美国各州，也应指定务实的人担任同样的工作。{SpTA08 5.1}
担任各州区会会长的人们应该予以精心挑选。然后让这些人以一种最周到、最认真、和敬畏上帝的方式负起区会的种种责任。他们如果不胜任周到而成功地作工，就不要留在那样的岗位上。{SpTA08 5.2}
大量的问题摆在总会面前;每一个担子都挑到了巴特尔克里克。这使得各州区会的会长们缺乏责任感。许多人在才智和判断上没有长进。他们采取了错误的行动。但他们本应请教上帝而获得更好的经验，从而采取正确的行动。作为区会会长，他们应该认识到必须忠于职责。这些区会要成为他们的一所学校，在其中表显管理的才能。他们要学习，再学习，教育，再教育。他们要做稳固的基督化工作，把它扎在一起，免得散开。{SpTA08 5.3}
被选为总会会长的人应本着敬畏上帝之心，公正无私地履行职责。他应该作忠心的管家。他要担任祭司，聪明地管理自己的家。他应当表明自己知道如何本着对上帝的敬畏之心聪明地管理自己的家。如果疏忽了这一点，他就会把自己的缺点带进工作。如果有人表明自己不以敬爱上帝为中心，害怕真理控制他的实际生活，以世间的事务作为他头等重要的事情，他就不适合担任会长，甚至不能作地方教会的长老。{SpTA08 6.1}
向巴特尔克里克的人请教的问题完全可以在当地解决。只要他们愿意寻求主，那些问题原可在他们内部解决。主宣布祂要与凡怀着真诚的心呼求祂的人亲近。基督说：“你们祈求，就给你们;寻找，就寻见;叩门，就给你们开门”(太7:7)。这个应许有双重或三重的保证。上帝决不食言。现今作区会会长的人们没有达到应有的效能、坚强能干，因为他们把人放在了上帝该处的位置，只接受人给他们的东西。{SpTA08 6.2}
区会会长们，你们如果决定到上帝面前来，就是聪明的人。要相信祂。祂必听你们的祈祷，也必来帮助你们，比起一个，两个，三个或四个人从很远的地方花许多钱乘车过来，解决智慧的上帝本可以更好解决的问题要快得多。祂应许说：“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐与众人、也不斥责人的上帝，主就必赐给他”(雅1:5)。你如果愿意真诚地在祂面前谦卑己心，倒空自高之念，抛弃品格本性的缺点，克服追求高位的心，并像小孩子那样来到上帝面前，祂就会把祂的圣灵赐给你。当两三个人奉耶稣的名同心合意求主什么事时，这事必为他们成就。{SpTA08 7.1}
当人们认识到需要在某一个国家投资建造学校，疗养院或贫民院，以开展那里的圣工时，主会使住在当地的人谦卑地行在祂面前，表示他们认识到自己需要依赖祂，相信祂乐意帮助他们筹划，设计，和聪明地安排祂的圣工。祂乐意赐智慧给那些认识到神恩价值的人，正如祂乐意赐智慧给其他某个人，然后那人又付出极大的代价向你传达这智慧。你的信心在哪儿呢?人岂可转离智慧的上帝去寻求有限之人的智慧，请人从远方来帮助他们脱离困境呢?主怎样看待这事呢?{SpTA08 7.2}
每一个人都可能认为自己相信上帝。你正在祂伟大道德葡萄园的某一个地方作工。祂已经告诉你，有人如果缺少智慧，就应当求那厚赐与众人、也不斥责人的上帝。在上帝所统治的浩大宇宙中，这个世界只不过是沧海一粟。可是这个堕落的小小世界在祂眼中，却比那九十九只没有从羊栏走失的羊更为宝贵。如果我们肯信靠祂，祂必不会使我们成为撒但试探的掠物。上帝希望每一个基督所为之死的人都成为葡萄树的一部分，与母干相连接，从中吸取营养。我们对上帝的绝对依赖，应保守我们十分谦卑。由于我们依赖祂，我们对祂的认识也当大大增加。上帝希望我们抛弃一切自私，来到祂面前，不是作为我们自己的主人，而是作为主所买来的产业。{SpTA08 8.1}
但以理一天三次寻求主，以恳切的祷告求智慧、力量和勇气去推进在邪恶的巴比伦代表独一真神的事业。你常常会不知下一步该怎么办。但不要写信把你的困惑告诉巴特尔克里克。在有些问题上可能存在分歧，但你的顾问就在身边。要俯伏在祂面前，把你的一切需要都告诉祂。巴特尔克里克的人能给你亮光吗?他们无法了解你的需要。因为他们不在场，他们可能否定某些事情。但如果你求问上帝，祂就会回答说：“前进吧，我必与你同在，并赐给你恩典。”{SpTA08 9.1}
多年以来，人们所受到的教育，一直把上帝放在第二位，把人放在第一位。人们已经受到教导，把每一件事都带给巴特尔克里克的少数人商量。上帝已经赐给你机会看到有限之人的软弱。在美国的各州难道没有人在上帝眼中行得正吗?{SpTA08 9.2}
在天上的册子中难道没有记着那些爱上帝并侍奉上帝之人的名字吗?他们不能制定计划吗?上帝赐给巴特尔克里克人员的理智和智慧难道比祂赐给各教会和各州区会的人更高吗?“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐与众人、也不斥责人的上帝，主就必赐给他”(雅1:5)。{SpTA08 9.3}
如果传道人愿意教育所有的人都记住有一位上帝近在眼前，并不遥远，他们可以在本地向上帝求帮助和智慧来尊荣祂，众教会就会实现圣灵百倍的运行。他们就会有力量，从而加强总会的工作。{SpTA08 10.1}
每一个地方都有人才，但不一定都被人认识。应该欣赏这种才干并予以发挥。在上帝之灵的运行下，才干会藉着使用而增长。但如果把人放在上帝的位置上，上帝就大大蒙羞了。唯独祂能给出无误的忠告。{SpTA08 10.2}
在巴特尔克里克议事的那些人无法像当地的人那样评估各地的事态。让人去寻求人，而依赖巴特尔克里克的少数人是不明智的。他们中有些人已多年远离上帝。接受这些人的判断，从远处来请他们商量事情，已大大羞辱了上帝。你们藉此表明自己把内心没有成圣的人放在上帝应有的位置上。{SpTA08 10.3}
假如各地的人犯了一些错误，其后果远没有在工作中心的人所犯的错误严重。你难道不能转向那伟大的领袖吗?祂能给你充分的忠告。祂难道不能施行恢复吗?祂难道不能为你行事吗?如果你像小孩子到父母面前那样到祂面前，祂难道不会为你成就此事吗?人太高傲自满了。上帝不能与这样骄傲的人同工。如果不放下骄傲，降卑自我，上帝就不能作工。那些从世界各地把困难都带到巴特尔克里克的人，表显的是人的智慧，而不是上帝的智慧。……{SpTA08 10.4}
1896年8月2日
我的注意力被吸引到主在《传道良助》中所乐意赐下的教训。我凌晨三点起来，阅读书中第232页《区会会长》的内容。这些教训再三呈现在我面前。我们的弟兄们愿意注意这些教训吗?还是避开亮光呢?总会会长应该遵照所赐的亮光行事，不要违背它。如果人闭眼不看上帝所乐于赐下的证言，并以为行在自己所点着的火光中乃是智慧，那就会毁坏教会。这种人没有资格成为传道人和区会会长。他们没有向一切智慧之源请教。{SpTA08 11.1}
担任区会会长的人必须认识到人心是刚愎自用的，必须警醒祈祷，严密看守。当他本着良心坚持不懈地寻求主时，他就受教于上帝，成长为一个代表人物，得到信任，就像上帝信任亚伯拉罕一样。他需要上帝的全副军装;因为他要打信心美好的仗，并在做了上帝的灵教导他去做的一切事情之后，还能站立得住。他的敌人可能是他家里的人，他的妻子和儿女，也可能是他自己先天遗传和后天养成的种种倾向，这些倾向不断在寻求掌权。人不过是人，在品格上是有缺陷的，必须予以制胜。每一个人要有正确的开始，就必须从心里开始。要从真诚的口中发出热切的祷告：“上帝啊，求祢为我造清洁的心”(诗51:10)。主的回答必是：“我也要赐给你们一个新心”(结36:26)。{SpTA08 12.1}
凡将进入要受上帝考验之位置的人，都有功课要学习，看看他们是不是每天被记录为上帝所赐才干的忠心管家。他们在与上级、下级或同级接触的时候，有没有表现对上帝的敬畏呢?他们必须把真理当作持久的原则，能使人心成圣。上帝圣灵创造和改变人心的能力会使他们与耶稣基督合作。他们既与基督一同负轭，就能藉着祂得胜有余。{SpTA08 12.2}
人若充分意识到自己是侍奉耶稣基督，就会渴望与上帝建立友谊。他必在上帝面前谦卑，视自己一无所有，视上帝为他的一切。这样的人是与基督合作的，适于管理一个州区会。他如果证明自己是慎重周到的，就准备好按照自己的经验和资格充任任何职位。要让众教会明白，这样的人是可以受到信任和支持的。他们可以到他那里与他谈话。这样的人决不会感到在没有上帝不断赐下恩典的情况下足以承担这工作，就是一个州区会的工作。他不会选择独自去做这工作，担负责任。藉着明智的管理，他必有见识看到别人身上的才干。他必使用那些拥有这种才干的人，并且帮助他们，而他们也必帮助分担他的重担。{SpTA08 13.1}
人如果感到自己有某一项工作要为主作，希望独自做那工作，拒绝与愿意帮助他们的人接触，害怕自己得不到他们乐意去做的这项善工的全部荣誉，就是自私的。这大大妨碍了上帝的工作。要让弟兄与弟兄携起手来。让彼得和约翰联合起来。每一个人都要鼓励弟兄站在他旁边，进行热心、有兴趣的侍奉，在这项大工中与他同工。两三个人可以一起祷告，一起歌唱赞美上帝，长成上帝同工的身量。要重视完美的和谐。所有的人都要像小孩子那样侍奉主，认识到自己是同一个母干上的枝子。{SpTA08 13.2}
州区会的会长们要谦卑地与上帝同行。他们没有必要写信给总会会长，要求他离开自己的工作去为他们解决小问题。甚至连许多大问题也可以带到上帝面前。上帝必为每一个州区会提供指导。每一个人都可以接近主。祂比总会会长容易接近得多。总会会长要教育州区会会长们聪明地照管好当地他们那部分的道德葡萄园，不要把他们的担子加在他身上。要带领这些有能力有才干的人仰望上帝，接受祂的教导。要教育他们到那源头寻求公义的指导。要查考圣经。“圣经都是上帝所默示的，于教训、督责、使人归正、教导人学义都是有益的，叫属上帝的人得以完全，预备行各样的善事”(提后3:16,17)。那么，你有什么理由转离无限智慧的主，去请教像你一样软弱有限的人呢?有一位已经为你受难。那位公义的主已经为不义的人受了难。{SpTA08 14.1}
人们把多少小委屈写在了纸上，倒进了同胞的心里啊!把那些最好应埋在心底的事情长久记住并传给别人是多么不智啊!不要散布灰心的气氛。你如果遵循耶稣的指示，就会得到帮助。“凡劳苦担重担的人可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式;这样，你们心里就必得享安息”(太11:28,29)。主上帝已赐下大量的证据，证明祂乐于背负我们的重担。当你担祂的担子时，祂就担起你，也担起你的担子。祂邀请凡劳苦担重担的人，“到我这里来。”主并没有叫你走遍世界去述说你的困难，把你的重担推给同胞。基督说：“我常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”(太28:20)。“我是近在眼前的上帝，离你不远。”{SpTA08 15.1}
怀爱伦夫人
【Individual Responsibility】
“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N. S. W.March 13, 1896.
In the night season I was listening to one who spoke with authority. Words of counsel in regard to the responsibilities that are to be borne in the sacred work of God were spoken. The Teacher said, There should be no haphazard work. Much of this has been done. Men have assumed authority, but the people should not depend upon poor, finite, erring men. They should put their entire trust in the wisdom that finds its strength in the wisdom of God. The inconsistency of centering so many responsibilities in Battle Creek has been presented many times, but the counsels have not been acted upon The reproofs and warnings from the Lord have been evaded and interpreted and made void by the devices of men. There has been counter-working against God, and the judgment of men has been received.{SpTA08 2.1}[1]
In Battle Creek, and in other places, building has been added to building, for the sake of making an imposing display. Men have supposed that this would give character to the work. Their own characters needed the transforming grace of Christ, which would enable them to represent Christ. This alone is sufficient to give character to the work. Nothing can be done without his grace.{SpTA08 2.2}[2]
The Lord suffers impediments to arise, that his wisdom and power may be humbly,earnestly, and perseveringly sought, and be distinctly manifest. Nothing will so quickly and decidedly separate the soul from God, and bring defeat, as for man to lift up his soul unto vanity, and speak proudly and boastingly, and in a masterly manner to his fellow men, who are the property of God. “Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God.” The Lord alone is to be exalted. Let every human agent keep in his place, and not seek to get into the place where God should be. There has been altogether too much trusting in men.{SpTA08 2.3}[3]
In Battle Creek you have evidence that men who have had the most to say are not walking with God. There is abundant activity, but not many are working in partnership with Christ, and those who walk apart, and work from him, have been the most active in planning and inaugurating their methods. If they had that wisdom that cometh from the Source of all wisdom, they would move considerately, and would study more earnestly the relation of cause to effect. They would discern that a few minds in Battle Creek are not to be the power to manage everything in connection with our work.{SpTA08 3.1}[4]
The state conferences must have men at their head who love and fear God,—capable men, who will learn in the school of Christ to be laborers with him, to wear his yoke, and lift his burdens. They are to be partners with Christ in the sacred service of soul-saving. All the members of the church are to labor interestedly, zealously, not striving, as many have done, to see who shall be the greatest, and how to secure the highest wages, but striving to win souls for Christ, which means being a part of the firm, in partnership with Christ. Let all try to do their best.{SpTA08 3.2}[5]
The matter was laid before me, which I was trying to present before the brethren. There is altogether too much responsibility imparted to a few men in Battle Creek, and these men need the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, else they will lead God’s heritage in false paths. The conferences are watching every move made at the center of the work. The different conferences have been led to look to the leading men at Battle Creek, feeling that no important move can be made without their approval. This tendency has been growing stronger, until it is a serious hindrance to the advancement of the work. This arrangement should never have been. The Lord would have his people under his jurisdiction. They should look to God, inquiring of him in faith, and follow on to know the working of his providence.{SpTA08 4.1}[6]
The arrangement that all monies must go through Battle Creek and under the control of the few men in that place is a wrong way of managing. There are altogether too many weighty responsibilities given to a few men, and some do not make God their counsellor. What do these men know of the necessities of the work in foreign countries? How can they know how to decide the questions which come to them asking for information? It would require three months for those in foreign countries to receive a response to their questions, even if there was no delay in writing.{SpTA08 4.2}[7]
In each country a man should be appointed to work in the general interests of the cause. He need not be a preacher, and he must not be a policy man. He should be unselfish, a man who loves, who honors, and fears his God. His whole time should be devoted to the work. He should plan unselfishly, and in the fear of God. Let him be general agent for that country, and let him be connected with a council composed of the very best men, that they may counsel together, and attend to the work within their borders. There should be business men appointed to do the same in the different states in America.{SpTA08 5.1}[8]
The men who act as presidents of state conferences should be carefully selected. Then let these men bear the responsibilities of the conference in a most thorough, earnest, God-fearing manner. If they are not qualified to do the work thoroughly and successfully, do not keep them in that position.{SpTA08 5.2}[9]
A mass of matter is laid before the General Conference; every burden is carried to Battle Creek. This makes the presidents of the state conferences very irresponsible. Many are not growing in aptitude and in?judgment. They make mismoves, when they should have advanced experience sufficient to enable them to make right moves, because they seek counsel of God. As presidents of their several conferences, they should realize that they must be faithful in positions of trust. These conferences are to be to them a school, in which they are to reveal managing ability. They are to learn, learn, and educate, educate. They are to do firm, Christlike work, binding it off, so that it shall not ravel out.{SpTA08 5.3}[10]
He who is selected as the president of the General Conference should, in the fear of God, stand in his lot and place, without partiality, and with unselfish interests. He should be a faithful steward. He should be a priest and wise ruler over his own house. He should make manifest that he understands the work of governing his own family wisely, and in the fear of God. If this is neglected, he will carry his defects with him into his work. If any man evidences that the love and fear of God is kept away from the center of his being, lest the truth should control his life-practice, while worldly things are made all and in all, he is not the man, even for local elder.{SpTA08 6.1}[11]
Advice is asked of those in Battle Creek regarding matters which could just as well be settled by men on the ground, if they would seek the Lord, and which ought to have been done within their own borders. The Lord declares he is nigh to all that call upon him with a sincere heart. Said Christ,“Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” This promise is made doubly and trebly sure. There is no failure with God. Today men who are presidents of conferences are less efficient and strong and able than they should be, because they place man where God should be, and they receive only that which man can give them.{SpTA08 6.2}[12]
Presidents of Conferences, you will be wise if you will decide to come to God. Believe in him. He will hear your prayers, and come to your assistance, in much less time than the public conveyances could take one, two, three, or four men from a long distance, at a great expense, to decide questions which the God of wisdom can decide far better for you. He has promised, “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” If you will sincerely humble your hearts before him, empty your souls of self esteem, and put away the natural defects of your character, and overcome your love of supremacy, and come to God as little children, he will bestow on you his Holy Spirit. When two or three shall agree as touching anything, and shall ask the Lord, in the name of Jesus, it shall be done for them.{SpTA08 7.1}[13]
When it is deemed expedient to invest means in school buildings, in sanitariums, or in homes for the poor in any country, in order to establish the work there. the Lord would have those who are living in that locality walk humbly before him, and show that they realize their personal dependence upon him, and that they believe in his willingness to help them to plan, to devise, to arrange intelligently for his work. He is as willing to give wisdom to those who feel the value of divine grace, as to give wisdom to some other mind, who will then, at great expense, communicate the same to you. Where is your faith? Will men turn from the God of wisdom to seek wisdom from finite men, sending for men from a long distance to come and help them out of perplexity? How does the Lord look upon this?{SpTA08 7.2}[14]
Each one may entertain the idea that he believes in God. You are working in one part of his great moral vineyard, and he has told you that if any man lack wisdom, he is to ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. This world is but a little atom in the vast domain over which God presides, and yet this little fallen world is more precious in his sight than the ninety and nine which went not astray from the fold. If we will make him our trust, he will not leave us to become the sport of Satan’s temptations. God would have every soul for whom Christ has died become a part of the vine, connected with the parent stock, drawing nourishment from it. Our dependence on God is absolute, and should keep us very humble; and because of our dependence on him, our knowledge of him should be greatly increased. God would have us put away every species of selfishness, and come?to him, not as the owner of ourselves, but as the Lord’s purchased possession.{SpTA08 8.1}[15]
Daniel sought the Lord three times a day, in earnest prayer for wisdom and strength and courage to carry forward the enterprise of representing the only true God in wicked Babylon. You will often be perplexed to know what to do next; but do not get pen and paper and write your perplexities to Battle Creek. There may be disagreement upon some points, but your Counsellor is nigh. Bow before him, and tell him of everything you need. Can the men in Battle Creek give you light? They cannot understand your necessity. Because they are not on the ground, they may say “No” to some things, when, had you asked of God, he would have answered, “Go forward, and I will be with you, and give you grace.”{SpTA08 9.1}[16]
For many years an education has been given to the people which places God second, and man first. The people have been taught that everything must be brought before the counsel of a few men in Battle Creek. God has given you an opportunity to see the weakness of finite men. Are there not men in the different states of America who walk right in the sight of God?{SpTA08 9.2}[17]
Are there not registered in the books of heaven the names of those who love and serve God? Can not they plan? Have those in Battle Creek been given superior reason and wisdom that God will not give those in the churches and state conferences? “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God,that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”{SpTA08 9.3}[18]
The churches would realize one hundred fold more of the workings of the Holy Spirit if ministers would educate all to bear in mind that they have a God nigh at hand, and not afar off, and that they can honor God by seeking him for help and wisdom just where they are. They will then have ability which will strengthen the General Conference.{SpTA08 10.1}[19]
There is talent in every place, but it is not always recognized. This talent should be discerned and set to work. Under the operation of the Spirit of God, talent will grow by being used. But God is greatly dishonored when men are placed in the position where God should be. He alone can give unerring counsel.{SpTA08 10.2}[20]
Men have been in council in Battle Creek who cannot appreciate the situation of matters in the different localities, as those can who are right on the ground; and it is not wise for men to seek to men, and place such dependence in a few men at Battle Creek, some of whom have walked apart from God for years. To accept the judgment of these men, and to send for them from a long distance to sit in council has done great dishonor to God. By this you show that you place men, who are unsanctified in heart, where God should be.{SpTA08 10.3}[21]
Supposing that some mistakes are made by those in different places. They may be of far less consequence than the errors?made by those at the heart of the work. Can not you go to the great Leader, who is mighty in counsel? and cannot he restore? Can not he work in your behalf? Will he not do it if you go to him as little children go to their parents? There is altogether too much lofty self-sufficiency in the human agent. God cannot work with such an element of pride. If this is not laid down, if self is not humbled, God cannot work. Those who send all their perplexities from the different parts of the world to Battle Creek show the wisdom of men, and not the wisdom of God.....{SpTA08 10.4}[22]
(August 2, 1896.)
My attention has been called to the instruction the Lord has been pleased to give in “Gospel Workers.” I have arisen at three o’clock, A.M., and have read the matter in the little book entitled “Conference Presidents,” p. 232. The same things have been presented to me again and again. Will our brethren take heed to these things? Or will they turn aside from the light? The president of the General Conference should act upon the light given, not contrary to this light. If men close their eyes to the testimonies God has been pleased to give, and think it wisdom to walk in the fire of the sparks of their own kindling, it will spoil the church. Such men are not qualified to become either ministers or presidents of conferences; they have not taken counsel from the Source of all wisdom.{SpTA08 11.1}[23]
He who is placed as a president of a conference must learn that the human heart is wayward, and that it needs to be strictly sentinelled by watchfulness and prayer. As he seeks the Lord conscientiously and constantly, he is taught of God to grow into a representative man, and can be trusted as God trusted Abraham. He needs the whole armor of God; for he has to fight the good fight of faith, and having done all that the Spirit of God has taught him to do, to stand. His enemies may be those of his own household, his wife and children, or they may be his own hereditary and cultivated tendencies, which continually seek for the mastery. Man is human and defective in character, and must battle for the victory. Everyone who begins aright must begin at his own heart. Let the fervent prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” and it will bring the response, “A new heart will I give thee.”{SpTA08 12.1}[24]
Lessons need to be learned by all who shall step into places where they are to be proved and tested by God, to see whether they shall be registered day by day as faithful and true stewards of God’s entrusted talents. Have they shown that they have the fear of God before them, whether they are dealing with superiors, inferiors, or equals? They need to cherish the truth as an abiding principle, that it may sanctify the soul. The creating, transforming power of God’s Holy Spirit will make them co-partners with Jesus Christ. Yoked up withChrist, they can be more than conquerors through him.{SpTA08 12.2}[25]
The man who is fully sensible that he is in the service of Jesus Christ, will aspire for the friendship of God. He will lie low before God, that he may be nothing, and God everything. Such a man is a co-partner with Christ, fitted to preside over a state conference. If he proves himself circumspect, he is prepared for any position, according to his experience and qualifications. Let the churches understand that such a man is to be trusted and sustained. They may go to him, and talk with him. Such a man will never feel sufficient to carry the work, even of a state conference, without the constant grace which God will give. He will not choose to do the work and bear the responsibility alone. Through wise management, he will have the tact to recognize talent in others. He will use those who have this talent, and help them, while they help to share his burdens.{SpTA08 13.1}[26]
It is a selfish thing for men who feel that they have some service to do for the Master, to wish to be alone in their work, and to refuse to connect with those who would be a help to them, because they fear that they will not obtain all the credit for doing the good work which they flatter themselves they will do. This has greatly hindered the work of God. Let brother lay hold of brother. Link up a Peter and a John. Let each encourage his brother to stand by his side, doing zealous, interested service, as?partners in the great work. Two or three can pray together, sing the praises of God together, and grow up into the full stature of workers together with God. Perfect harmony must be cherished. All must serve the Lord as little children, feeling that they are branches in the same parent stock.{SpTA08 13.2}[27]
Let the presidents of state conferences walk humbly with God, and they will not have occasion to write to the president of the General Conference to leave his work to settle little matters for them. Even many large matters may be carried to God, and God will give counsel in every state conference. The Lord can be approached by all. He is much more accessible than the president of the General Conference. Let the president of the General Conference educate the presidents of state conferences to take care of their portion of the moral vineyard where they are situated wisely, without laying their burdens upon him. Lead these men who have ability and talent to look to God, that they may be taught by him. Teach them to go to the Fountain head for instruction in righteousness. Search the Scriptures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished, unto all good works.” What, then, is your excuse for turning for counsel from one who is infinite in wisdom to finite men, who are as?weak as yourselves? One has suffered for you, the just for the unjust.{SpTA08 14.1}[28]
How many petty grievances man traces upon paper, and pours into the soul of his fellow men. How unwise it is to perpetuate and communicate to others those things you had better have kept to yourself. Never trace a line of discouragement. If you do just as Jesus has told you to do, you will find help. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye, shall find rest unto your souls.” The Lord God has given abundant evidence of his willingness to carry our burdens. As you lift his burdens, he lifts you, and the burdens also. He invites all who labor and are heavy laden, “Come unto me.” You are not told that you must go around the world to tell your troubles and unload your burdens to your fellow men. “Lo I am with you alway,” Christ says, “even to the end of the world.” “I am a God at hand, and not afar off.”。---Mrs. E. G. White---{SpTA08 15.1}[29]
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