Chapter 55—Words From a Divine Counselor
In a vision of the night a short time ago, I was in council meetings.
At these meetings words were spoken that savored of the human more
than of the divine. The medical work in-----was under consideration.
Plans were proposed which, unless modified, would bind about the
work and fail of relieving the situation. The General Conference was
asked to pledge itself to raise a sum of no less than twenty thousand
dollars, or to become responsible for that amount, to establish a san-
itarium in-----. Because Elder-----refused to consent to place this
additional obligation upon the General Conference, he was severely
reflected upon by some. But, under the existing circumstances, he
felt that he was forbidden by the Lord to lay this burden upon the
Conference. I honor Elder-----’s judgment on this question....
But to return to the council meeting: Once more the One who has
long been our Counselor, was present, to give us the word of the Lord.
He said: “The Lord would not be glorified by your placing a yoke
of debt upon the General Conference. In a special manner He has
wrought to break from the necks of His people the binding yokes of
debt which they have worn so long. The Conference must not again
tread the same path that they have trodden.” ...
Some have not yet learned the lesson that Christ taught in regard
to building a tower. “Which of you,” He inquired, “intending to build
a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have
sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and
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is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying,
This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” This warning has
been disregarded.
When men in positions of responsibility are in such a hurry to
establish some new institution that is untimely, the showing made
is not only against the interests of the Lord’s cause, but against the
interests of the men who in human wisdom have tried to advance too
rapidly. God is not glorified by those who attempt to go faster than He
leads. Perplexity, embarrassment, and distress are the result. The Lord
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