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Testimonies for the Church Volume 8
Early Experiences
In the early days of our denominational work the Lord did designate
Elder James White as one who, in connection with his wife, and
under the Lord’s special guidance, was to take a leading part in the
advancement of this work.
The history of how the work grew is well known. The printing
plant was first established at Rochester, New York, and was afterward
moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. And in afteryears a publishing
house was established on the Pacific Coast.
I thank the Lord that He gave us the privilege of acting a part in
the work from the beginning. But neither then nor since the work has
grown to large proportions, during which time responsibilities have
been widely distributed, has anyone heard me claiming the leadership
of this people.
From the year 1844 till the present time I have received messages
from the Lord and have given them to His people. This is my work—to
give to the people the light that the Lord gives me. I am commissioned
to receive and communicate His messages. I am not to appear before
the people as holding any other position than that of a messenger with
a message.
For many years Dr. J. H. Kellogg has occupied the position of
leading physician in the medical work carried on by the Seventh-day
Adventists. It would be impossible for him to act as leader of the
general work. This has never been his part, and it never can be.
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God Our Leader
I write this that all may know that there is no controversy among
Seventh-day Adventists over the question of leadership. The Lord God
of heaven is our King. He is a leader whom we can safely follow, for
He never makes a mistake. Let us honor God and His Son, through
whom He communicates with the world.
God would work mightily for His people today if they would place
themselves wholly under His guidance. They need the constant abiding
of the Holy Spirit. If there were more prayer in the councils of those
bearing responsibilities, more humbling of the heart before God, we