Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 13, 1903

A Division of Responsibilities

NP

April 20, 1903 [typed]

Portions of this manuscript are published in PM 145-146. Extracted from Lt 192, 1901.

[Extract from Lt 192, 1901.] 18LtMs, Ms 13, 1903, par. 1

The division of the General Conference into District Union Conferences was God’s arrangement. In the work of the Lord in these last days there should be no Jerusalem centers, no kingly power. And the work in the different countries is not to be tied up by contracts to the work centering in Battle Creek; for this is not God’s plan. Brethren are to counsel together; for we are just as much under the control of God in one part of His vineyard as another. Brethren are to be one in heart and soul, even as Christ and the Father are one. 18LtMs, Ms 13, 1903, par. 2

The kingly power formerly exhibited in the General Conference at Battle Creek is not to be perpetuated. The publishing institution is not to be a kingdom of itself. It is essential that the principles that govern in General Conference affairs shall be maintained in the managements of the publishing work and the sanitarium work. No one is to consider that the branch of the work with which he is connected is of vastly more importance than other branches. 18LtMs, Ms 13, 1903, par. 3

The Lord has declared that there should be publishing plants in various places. Supreme power should not be vested in a few large institutions. At the last General Conference the light was given, Divide the General Conference into Union Conferences. Let there be fewer responsibilities centered in one place. Let the work of printing our publications be divided. The principles that apply to the publishing work apply also to the sanitarium work. Students should not be crowded into Battle Creek to receive an education in medical missionary lines. It is not best to gather together in one institution so large a company of people as are gathered together in the Battle Creek Sanitarium. Let medical missionary plants be made in many places. 18LtMs, Ms 13, 1903, par. 4