Conference Presidents
355
The president of the General Conference, if he is walking in the
counsel of God, will not encourage his brethren to look to him to define
[416]
their duty, but will direct them to the only Source that is untainted with
the errors of humanity. He will refuse to be mind and conscience for
others....
The one who is the object of this undue confidence is exposed
to strong temptations. Satan will, if possible, lead him to be self-
confident, in order that human defects may mar the work. He will be
in danger of encouraging his brethren in their dependence upon him,
and of feeling that all things that pertain to the movements of the cause
must be brought to his notice. Thus the work will bear the impress of
man instead of the impress of God.
But if all will learn to depend upon God for themselves, many
dangers that assail the one who stands at the head of the work will be
averted. If he errs, if he permits human influence to sway his judgment,
or yields to temptation, he can be corrected and helped by his brethren.
And those who learn to go to God for themselves for help and counsel,
are learning lessons that will be of the highest value to them.
If the officers of a conference would bear successfully the burdens
laid upon them, they must pray, they must believe, they must trust God
to use them as His agents in keeping the churches of the conference
in good working order. This is their part of the vineyard to cultivate.
There must be far more personal responsibility, far more thinking and
planning, far more mental power brought into the labor put forth for
the Master. This would enlarge the capacity of the mind, and give
keener perceptions as to what to do and how.
[417]
Brethren, you will have to wrestle with difficulties, carry burdens,
give advice, plan and execute, constantly looking to God for help. Pray
and labor, labor and pray; as pupils in the school of Christ, learn of
Jesus.
The Lord has given us the promise, “If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.” [
James 1:5
.] It is in the order of God that
those who bear responsibilities should often meet together to counsel
with one another, and to pray earnestly for that wisdom which He alone
can impart. Talk less; much precious time is lost in talk that brings no
light. Let brethren unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God
has promised to supply liberally. Make known your troubles to God.