TM 347, 477, 493
(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers 347, 477, 493)
Chapter 14—Appeals for Truth and Loyalty VC
[The articles in this section are from Special Testimonies, Series A 9:3-15 (1897).] (TM 347) MC VC
“All Ye are Brethren” Matthew 23:8. VC
March 8, 1895. (TM 347) MC VC
I must speak to my brethren nigh and afar off. I cannot hold my peace. They are not working on correct principles. Those who stand in responsible positions must not feel that their position of importance makes them men of infallible judgment. (TM 347.1) MC VC
All the works of men are under the Lord’s jurisdiction. It will be altogether safe for men to consider that there is knowledge with the Most High. Those who trust in God and His wisdom, and not in their own, are walking in safe paths. They will never feel that they are authorized to muzzle even the ox that treads out the grain; and how offensive it is for men to control the human agent who is in partnership with God, and whom the Lord Jesus has invited: “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 in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. (TM 347.2) MC VC
The Lord has not placed any one of His human agencies under the dictation and control of those who are themselves but erring mortals. He has not placed upon men the power to say, “You shall do this, and you shall not do that.” But there is a power exercised in Battle Creek that God has not given, and He will judge those who assume this authority. They have somewhat of the same spirit that led Uzzah to lay his hand on the ark to steady it, as though God was not able to care for His sacred symbols. Far less of man’s power and authority should be exercised toward God’s human agencies. Brethren, leave God to rule. (TM 347.3) MC VC
Chapter 18—Vital Principles of Relationship VC
Jehovah Is Our King VC
[From Special Testimonies, Series A 10:12-20 (1897).] (TM 477) MC VC
God has revealed many things to me which He has bidden me give to His people by pen and voice. Through this message of the Holy Spirit, God’s people are given sacred instruction concerning their duty to God and to their fellowmen. (TM 477.1) MC VC
A strange thing has come into our churches. Men who are placed in positions of responsibility that they may be wise helpers to their fellow workers have come to suppose that they were set as kings and rulers in the churches, to say to one brother, Do this; to another, Do that; and to another, Be sure to labor in such and such a way. There have been places where the workers have been told that if they did not follow the instruction of these men of responsibility, their pay from the conference would be withheld. (TM 477.2) MC VC
It is right for the workers to counsel together as brethren; but that man who endeavors to lead his fellow workers to seek his individual counsel and advice regarding the details of their work, and to learn their duty from him, is in a dangerous position and needs to learn what responsibilities are really comprehended in his office. God has appointed no man to be conscience for his fellowman. It is not wise to lay so much responsibility upon an officer that he will feel that he is forced to become a dictator. (TM 477.3) MC VC
A Constant Peril VC
For years there has been a growing tendency for men placed in positions of responsibility to Lord it over God’s heritage, thus removing from church members their keen sense of the need of divine instruction and an appreciation of the privilege to counsel with God regarding their duty. This order of things must be changed. There must be a reform. Men who have not a rich measure of that wisdom which cometh from above should not be called to serve in positions where their influence means so much to church members. (TM 477.4) MC VC
In 1895 I wrote to my brethren in the ministry, as follows: (TM 493.1) MC VC
“I must speak to my brethren nigh and afar off. I cannot hold my peace. They are not working on correct principles. Those who stand in responsible positions must not feel that their position of importance makes them men of infallible judgment.” (TM 493.2) MC VC
“All the works of men are under the Lord's jurisdiction. It will be altogether safe for men to consider that there is knowledge with the Most High. Those who trust in God and His wisdom, and not in their own, are walking in safe paths. They will never feel that they are authorized to muzzle even the ox that treads out the grain; and how offensive it is for men to control the human agent who is in partnership with God, and whom the Lord Jesus has invited: ‘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 heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’ Matthew 11:28~30. ‘We are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.’(1 Corinthians 3:9)” (TM 493.3) MC VC
“The Lord has not placed any one of His human agencies under the dictation and control of those who are themselves but erring mortals. He has not placed upon men the power to say, ‘You shall do this, and you shall not do that....’ (TM 493.4) MC VC
“No man is a proper judge of another man’s duty. Man is responsible to God; and as finite, erring men take into their hands the jurisdiction of their fellowmen, as if the Lord commissioned them to lift up and cast down, all heaven is filled with indignation. There are strange principles being established in regard to the control of the minds and works of men, by human judges, as though these finite men were gods....” (TM 493.5) MC VC