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Section 8—Counsels and Cautions
Our Attitude Toward the Lord’s Institutions
In past years I have written many things to our brethren and
sisters in America, in Europe, and in Australia, regarding the attitude
they should sustain toward our denominational institutions. I am
now sending some of these things to you, as timely instruction.
From a letter written in 1889, I quote:
“Those who bear heavy responsibilities in our institutions should
be strengthened and sustained by the knowledge that the members
of every place are praying for the prosperity and success of these
institutions. If the churches do not feel that the work done in our
institutions is a most important work, and that the laborers need their
sympathy and hearty, intelligent cooperation, this deficiency will
retard the advancement of the work. Complaints are not infrequently
made in regard to the men who carry a heavy load. Discouragements
come upon these men because of the unconsecrated elements in the
churches, who love to talk, and say, ‘Report, and we will report it.’
This makes more work for the men who are already overburdened.
“Those who daily consecrate themselves to God, and endeavor to
hold up the hands of those who bear responsibilities, will be blessed
of Heaven. We are engaged in a great work, and Satan will use all
his power to win to his side the very men and women who could
cooperate with God in doing a precious work if they were cleansed,
sanctified, and guided by the Holy Spirit, if they had warm, true
hearts of tender love and gave due respect to those whom God has
appointed to carry on a great and important work. The men engaged
in the Master’s service have often been wounded by those who think
and speak evil and create feelings of distrust and jealousy which
should not be tolerated or kept alive by unsanctified tongues.”
These same principles were brought to the attention of our
brethren and sisters in the Iowa Conference in 1902. In a com-
munication addressed to them is the following instruction:
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