Dictatorship
The Results of Domination—The holy principles that God has
given are represented by the sacred fire; but common fire has been
used in place of the sacred. Plans, contrary to truth and righteousness,
are introduced in a subtle manner on the plea that this must be done,
and that must be done, because it is for the advancement of the cause
of God. But it is the devising of men that leads to oppression, injustice
and wickedness. The cause of God is to be free from every taint of
injustice. It can gain no advantage by robbing the members of the
family of God of their individuality or of their rights. All such practices
are abhorrent to God....
The high-handed power that has been developed, as though posi-
tions had made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It
is a curse wherever, and by whomsoever it is exercised. This lording
it over God’s heritage will create such a disgust of man’s jurisdiction
that a state of insubordination will result. The people are learning that
men in high positions of responsibility cannot be trusted to mold and
fashion other men’s minds and characters. The result will be a loss of
confidence even in the management of faithful men....
The spirit of domination is extending to the presidents of our
conferences. If a man is sanguine of his own powers and seeks to
exercise dominion over his brethren, feeling that he is invested with
authority to make his will the ruling power, the best and only safe
course is to remove him, lest great harm be done, and he lose his own
soul, and imperil the souls of others. “All ye are brethren.”
This disposition to lord it over God’s heritage will cause a reaction
unless these men change their course. Those in authority should
manifest the spirit of Christ. They should deal as he would deal with
every case that requires attention. They should go weighted with the
Holy Spirit. A man’s position does not make him one jot or tittle
greater in the sight of God; it is character alone that God values.—
Letter 55, 1895
(September 19, 1895 to O. A. Olsen).
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