Dictatorship
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God will have nothing to do with the methods of working where
finite men are allowed to bear rule over their fellow-men. He calls
for a decided change to be made. The voice of command must no
longer be heard. The Lord has among his workers men of humility
and discretion; from these should be chosen men who will conduct the
work in the fear of God.
It would be well if Elder Cottrell and at least one other worker
of broad experience should be called upon to consult together and
consider your plans that affect the medical work. God designs that his
servants shall carry the responsibilities of that conference in a spirit
of humility and dependence upon Him.—
Letter 290, 1907
, pp. 2, 3
(August 29, 1907 to George W. Reaser).
Device to Oppress Men God will Not Vindicate—God will not
vindicate any device whereby man shall in the slightest degree rule
or oppress his fellow-men. The only hope for fallen man is to look
to Jesus, and receive Him as the only Saviour. As soon as a man
begins to make any iron rule for other men, as soon as he begins to
harness up and drive men according to his own mind, he dishonors
God, and imperils his own soul, and the souls of his brethren. Sinful
man can find hope and righteousness only in God; and no human being
is righteous any longer than he has faith in God, and maintains a vital
connection with Him. A flower of the field must have its roots in the
soil; it must have air, dew, showers, and sunshine. It will flourish only
as it receives these advantages, and all are from God. So with men. We
receive from God that which ministers to the life of the soul. We are
warned not to trust in man, not to make flesh our arm.—
Testimonies
to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 366, 367
.
The Conference President—Again and again I repeat the warn-
ing: Never place as president of a conference a man who supposes
that such a position gives him the power to dictate and control the
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consciences of others. It is natural for man to have a large estimate of
self; old habits wrestle for the supremacy; but the man who occupies a
position of trust should not glorify himself.
The worker who daily subordinates his will to the will of Christ
will be educated away from such an idea. He will practice the virtues
of Christ’s character in all meekness and lowliness of mind; and this
will give to those whom his ministration is supposed to benefit the
precious freedom of the liberty of the children of God. They will be