Principles for Christian Leaders

The president’s counselors

The subject I wish now to bring before our people is that of the special management of the general interests of the cause of God at the present time. For years light has been given me that the one selected to preside over the General Conference should not be left to bear all the burdens alone. He is to be a man of clear discernment, who will not swerve from right principles, and he is to have as his counselors staunch men who will not sway or be swayed in wrong directions, who are as firm as a rock to principle. He is not to be left to follow his own inclinations in the choice of his counselors. This has been done for years, to the detriment of the work. His associates are to be chosen men, who have the confidence of the people; God-fearing men upon whom he can rely. PCL 112.1

The president of the General Conference should not select his son to be a counselor or a judge, for if such a relative is connected with him, there is danger that correct principles will not be carried out. The very fact that the counselor is a relative will be a source of temptation to those who have been swayed from truth and righteousness to carry things in their own way, the son thinking he has no right to question his father’s decisions or work. The president of the conference should choose as his counselors “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.”—MS 91, 1899 (June 19) PCL 112.2

Instead of advancing the work themselves, insufficient workers have cast their responsibilities on the president of the General Conference. Thus burdens that were altogether too heavy have been brought upon one man. And if that one man’s mind becomes warped or clouded in any way, then a wrong mold is given to the work. It may be urged that there is a General Conference Committee, and each of our institutions has a board of directors, and they will carry the burden. But if one or more of these men are leavened with a spirit that God cannot favor, and yet they are retained in the work, they will leaven the president of the Conference. If he is in any way dull of comprehension, if he for any cause permits his staunch, faithful workers, men who are true to principle, to leave him, the cause of God is imperiled. PCL 112.3

In the councils some members have introduced principles which God has condemned. When opposed in their suggestions and devisings, they resented it. Those who would not second the propositions made were not wanted, although it was their duty to be present and to share in the deliberations and decisions. But their presence was disagreeable to the men who wished to carry things their own way. PCL 113.1

The president of the General Conference should have the privilege of deciding who shall stand by his side as counselors. Those who will keep the way of the Lord, who will preserve clear, sharp discernment by cultivating home religion, are safe counselors. Of such a one, the Searcher of hearts saith, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him. And they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” PCL 113.2

Counselors of the character that God chose for Moses are needed by the president of the General Conference. It was the privilege of Elder Olsen at least to express his preferences as to the men who should be his counselors. It was his privilege to discern between him that serveth God, and him that serveth Him not. But a strange blindness was upon him. There has been a leavening influence upon human minds, and it has been most painful. For years God has been dishonored. PCL 113.3

Unless he walks in the light of life, the president of the General Conference will make many mistakes. He will continue to do as he has done in the past, in heeding the calls made for his presence in the several conferences, and will absorb means in taking with him men, who, he knows, do not appreciate the work for this time: men who do not walk with God; men who refuse to accept the testimonies the Lord has graciously given them, and who have slighted and rejected the Holy Spirit. To all appearance he has honored them as he should honor faithful men of superior judgment. In this he has dishonored God, and left upon the churches an influence that has confused and perplexed them. God speaks to him, saying, “Them that honor me I will honor.” PCL 114.1

Brother Olsen’s example has done much to unsettle the confidence of conference presidents in the testimonies; for he himself has walked directly contrary to the light which the Lord has given. He has honored men whom God does not honor. There are men who have been, and are still, connected with the councils at Battle Creek, who need a thorough conversion, else they can never enter the kingdom of heaven. Self, self, self is exhibited in every line of their work, and God is greatly dishonored by being misrepresented in character. PCL 114.2

And yet men in positions of trust have been and are being educated to submit all their plans to the counselors at Battle Creek, to be pronounced upon, approved or disapproved, by men. How long shall this departure from the Lord’s arrangement continue? Men have such a burning desire to stretch themselves beyond their measure. They wish to be regarded as authority on all things relative to the work of God in all parts of the world. But this is not God’s plan. The men who compose the councils at Battle Creek have for years been very defective in character. Their own spirit and judgment have leavened the plans and recommendations presented to the workers in different fields. If the people are so blinded that they cannot discern this, God sees it, and it is an offense to Him.—Letter 24a, 1896 (August) PCL 114.3