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The Publishing Ministry
fast disappearing. What will then be respected as pure, holy, and
undefiled? Will there be any voice that God’s people can regard as a
voice they can respect? There certainly is nothing now that bears the
divine credentials. Sacred things are mixed and mingled with earthly
business that has no connection with God.”—
Letter 81, 1896
(
Special
Instruction Relating to the Review and Herald Office, and The Work
in Battle Creek, 18
.)
In 1894, the General Conference Association consisted of twenty-
one members or trustees. The Review board of directors was composed
of seven members. The president, treasurer, and auditor of the Review
board were all members of the six-member executive committee of the
General Conference Association. Thus there was a sort of interlocking
directorate of men in Battle Creek who controlled as far as possible the
church and its institutions. It was against this control by a few persons
that Ellen White protested. At the 1901 General Conference session, a
reorganization was effected that largely corrected this type of “kingly
power.”
Ellen White was pleased with the actions taken at this important
session and indicated that a victory had been gained.
Cooperation between institutions and not consolidation was the
goal to be kept in mind. A united effort to achieve economic and
practical goals under the direction of “pure, straightforward” men
engaged in a work with “unswerving integrity” would be pleasing to
God and bear His stamp of approval.
The church must constantly be alert, however, to prevent a “kingly”
type of leadership and control reasserting itself. The reins of church
government must not drift into the hands of a few persons or institu-
tions.
Trustees, Ellen G. White Estate.
* * * * *
Many Interests in One Locality—Our people are in constant
danger of centering too many interests in one locality; but it is not in
the Lord’s order that this should be. Again and again messages have
been given concerning the dangers of such a course.