Evils Resulting from Centralization and Colonization
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workers in each feel that they are to do their work as in full view of
God, His holy angels, and the unfallen worlds.
Should one institution adopt a wrong policy, let not another institu-
tion be corrupted. Let it stand true to the principles that were expressed
in its establishment, carrying forward the work in harmony with these
principles. Every institution should endeavor to work in harmony with
every other just so far as this is consistent with truth and righteousness;
but further than this none are to go toward consolidating.—
Testimonies
for the Church 7:172, 173
.
Each House Stands as Independent Body—Warnings have been
given me that it is not wise to consolidate the Pacific Press with the
Review and Herald publishing house. Time will convince all that
this matter is too serious a thing to be trifled with. The Battle Creek
publishing house is not to be the only power among Seventh-day
Adventists. It must stand largely alone. The Pacific Press should not
be made to fear the influence of the power invested in the publishing
house at Battle Creek. The Lord has His own purpose to accomplish
through these institutions.
There should be no controversy on this point. There must be no
more determined binding up with the interests in the publishing house
at Battle Creek, so that it shall absorb the Pacific Press, making them
one organ. The Pacific Press must stand by itself. The two institutions
cannot better advance the work of God in consolidation, as has been
contemplated. It is God’s will that they stand as independent bodies.
The active agencies in connection with the work at Battle Creek
[154]
have placed a wrong mold upon the work. Men have devised and
planned in a manner that is not after the order of God, and the publish-
ing house in California has altogether too largely followed and adopted
the methods and inventions proceeding from Battle Creek. Strength
and power will be in our institutions if they keep close to the word of
God in all their connection and dealing with their fellow men.—
Letter
80a, 1896
.
He [God] would have His institutions independent of each other,
and yet in perfect harmony with each other.—
Letter 41, 1898
.
Separate and Distinct Entities—Again and again, at different
times and in different places, decided warnings have been given me. I
could not define the import of these warnings, for they were presented
to me in figures and symbols. I have been very much puzzled over