Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 903—Warning Against Centralization

As the work increases there will be a great and living interest to manage it by human instrumentalities. The work is not to be centered in any one place, not even in Battle Creek. Human wisdom argues that it is more convenient to build up the interests [of the work] where it has already obtained character and influence. Mistakes have been made in this line. Individual and personal responsibility are thus repressed and weakened. The work is the Lord's, and its strength and efficiency are not all to be concentrated in any one place. 11MR 272.1

Already it has been proved that there was a lack of faithfulness in the men placed in important positions of trust. The simplicity of the work was forgotten. The principles God had laid down were ignored. Self-denial and self-sacrifice were not maintained. Selfishness was indulged, because the men in positions of trust were not with heart and soul relying upon divine wisdom and power but walking after the imagination of their own hearts. This Scripture was presented to me as applicable: Jeremiah 7:1-14, 23, 24.—Letter 71, 1894, p. 8. (To the General Conference Committee and the Publishing Boards of the Review and Herald and the Pacific Press, April 8, 1894.) 11MR 273.1

White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

December 10, 1981.