Evils Resulting from Centralization and Colonization
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In Washington and at Mountain View, our brethren should study
diligently the warnings that have been given of the evil results of
centering the publishing work, and other interests, too largely in one
place. God is not pleased with the influence that results from such
centralization. If all the men who gather thus in one place are wise,
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experienced men who walk humbly with God, then the world needs
these men to stand as the Lord’s representatives in many places. We
are to seek the honor and glory of God in all things. We have been
losing time in Washington and in Mountain View by centering so much
in these places.—
Letter 164, 1909
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Battle Creek Not to Swallow Up Everything—The present is a
time of special peril. In 1890 and 1891 there was presented to me a
view of dangers that would threaten the work because of a confederacy
in the office of publication in Battle Creek. Propositions which to
their authors appeared very wise would be introduced, looking to the
formation of a confederacy that would make Battle Creek, like Rome,
the great head of the work, and enable the office of publication there
to swallow up everything in the publishing line among us. This is not
God’s wisdom, but human wisdom. Those matters have been coming
up again and again in different aspects, but this policy of consolidation
would, if adopted, result in marring the work. God would have His
work move firmly and solidly, but no one branch is to interfere with or
absorb other branches of the same great work.—
Letter 71, 1894
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Avoid Centralization of Power—At times it has been urged that
the interests of the cause would be furthered by a consolidation of our
publishing houses, bringing them virtually under one management.
But this, the Lord has shown, should not be. It is not His plan to cen-
tralize power in the hands of a few persons or to bring one institution
under the control of another.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:171
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Colonizing Versus Plants in Different Places—A Jerusalem has
been made of Battle Creek, but this has not been after the Lord’s
direction or order. You may see some advantages in colonizing, but
there are many more advantages to be obtained from making plants in
different places.
The work has been begun in Nashville, and it should be placed on
a firm foundation, that the light of the truth may shine forth from there
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to the regions beyond. It is God’s purpose that the work shall thus be
carried forward.