Chapter 4—Church Policies
Church Organization
The church must be organized to carry out and enforce order,
or it will scatter into fragments—I was shown that some have been
fearing they should become Babylon if they organize; but the churches
in Central New York have been perfect Babylon, confusion. And now
unless the churches are so organized that they can carry out and enforce
order, they have nothing to hope for in the future.—
The Review and
Herald, August 27, 1861
.
Medical missionary work must not stand aloof from church
organization—Temptations will come to you to think that in order to
carry forward the medical missionary work you must stand aloof from
church organization or church discipline. To stand thus would place
you on an unsound footing. The work done for those who come to
you for instruction is not complete unless they are educated to work in
connection with the church.—
Testimonies for the Church 8:161
.
Preachers should not unite their influence with critics of the
church—When plied with the arguments and suggestions of such
advisers, it would be well for us each to inquire, “Should I, who am
a Christian, a child of God; one called to be the light of the world, a
preacher of righteousness; who have so often expressed my confidence
in the truth and the way in which the Lord has led us, should I unite
my influence with those who bitterly oppose the work of God? Should
I, a steward of the mysteries of God, open to His worst enemies the
counsels of His people? Would not such a course embolden the wicked
in their opposition to the truth of God and to His covenant-keeping
people? Would not such concession prevent me from opening my lips
in exhortation, warning, or entreaty in my own family or in the church
of God? If Paul or Peter were placed in similar circumstances, would
he thus betray a sacred trust?”—
The Signs of the Times, January 3,
1884
.
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