The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

Counsel of Unbelievers Not to Be Followed

“We are not to hear the counsel or follow the plans suggested by unbelievers. Suggestions made by those who know not the work that God is doing for this time will be such as to weaken the power of the instrumentalities of God. By accepting such suggestions, the counsel of Christ is set at naught.” COOD 152.1

We find in the Review of Nov. 14, 1893, the following instruction relative to committee meetings, which, had it been faithfully followed, would have saved many false moves that have been made: “Have it understood that those who come to the committee meetings come with the thought that they are to meet with God, who has given them their work; that it is a sin to waste moments in unimportant conversation; for they are doing the Lord’s business, and must do the work in the most businesslike, perfect way. Let all understand that there is to be no trifling. Every one should come to the meetings in a consecrated, devotional frame of mind, because important matters are to be considered in relation to the cause of God. This work is to be done after his own order, and if men have been elected to the grave responsibility of having a voice, and exerting an influence in the accomplishment of this great work, let their actions in every particular show that they recognize their responsibility and accountability to understand the will of the Lord as far as possible.” COOD 152.2