God’s Last Day Church
33
counsel required by such a small organization. He could personally
attend every important meeting and in addition give personal attention
to much of the business connected with the publishing work. However,
by 1896 the work of the church had greatly expanded in the United
sStates, and extended to Europe, Australia, and Africa as well. It was
no longer possible for one man to give adequate supervision and di-
rection to such a widespreading work. Ellen White urged a division of
the field, so that our church members around the world would not look
to just one man for counsel. This was accomplished by the creation of
union conferences and world divisions.
]
Unwise Leaders Do Not Speak for God
The voice from Battle Creek, which has been regarded as authority
in counseling how the work should be done, is no longer the voice of
God.—
Manuscript Releases 17:185
(1896).
It has been some years since I have considered the General Con-
ference as the voice of God.—
Manuscript Releases 17:216
(1898).
That these men should stand in a sacred place, to be as the voice
of God to the people, as we once believed the General Conference to
[51]
be—that is past.—
The General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901
, p.
25.
A New Denomination Not Needed
You will take passages in the Testimonies that speak of the close
of probation, of the shaking among God’s people, and you will talk
of a coming out from this people of a purer, holier people that will
arise. Now all this pleases the enemy.... Should many accept the
views you advance, and talk and act upon them, we would see one
of the greatest fanatical excitements that has ever been witnessed
among Seventh-day Adventists. This is what Satan wants.—
Selected
Messages 1:179
(1890).
The Lord has not given you a message to call the Seventh-day
Adventists Babylon, and to call the people of God to come out of her.
All the reasons you may present cannot have weight with me on this
subject, because the Lord has given me decided light that is opposed
to such a message....