Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers—No. 8

Conference Officers

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N. S. W.,

August, 1896. SpTA08 27.1

Conference Presidents and Counsellors:

God gave to Moses special direction for the management of his work. He directed Moses to associate men with him as counsellors; that his burdens might be lightened. Through Jethro the message was given: “Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: be thou for the people to Godward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God. And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way in which they must walk, and the work they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all seasons; and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace.” SpTA08 27.2

This counsel is for us. It should be heeded by our responsible men. The president of our General Conference has been left to gather to himself burdens which God has not laid upon him, and the things that he has tried to do could not be done wisely and well..... SpTA08 28.1

Moses said, “When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” Exodus 18:16. This work is still to be done, and if the men who now bear responsibilities will not do it, then it must be committed to others. The Lord's work must be carried forward without guile, hypocrisy, or covetousness. SpTA08 28.2

In his instruction to Moses the Lord very plainly set forth the character of those who were to fill important positions as counsellors. They are to be “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.” The Lord's counsel has been strangely neglected. There are men in places of holy trust who, when reproved, have cared naught for it. Some who for years have stood as counsellors, have boldly stated that they would not receive the testimonies given. In triumph they have declared that many of our most responsible men have lost faith in the message coming from Sister White. Thus the rejectors of light have been strengthened in their unbelief, feeling that they had quite a strong confederacy. Men who have had the light have walked contrary to the light. These words are appropriate: “Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.” The malaria of unbelief has been diffusing its deathly atmosphere throughout the ranks, nigh and afar off. All this has been stated plainly, yet for years matters have been left unchanged. Can the Lord's favor be expected under such circumstances? ... SpTA08 28.3