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Chapter 13—Conference Officials
[The articles in this section are from Special Testimonies, Series A
8:2-11 (1897).]
Counsel and Guidance
Cooranbong, Australia,
March 13, 1896
In the night season I was listening to one who spoke with au-
thority. Words of counsel in regard to the responsibilities that are
to be borne in the sacred work of God were spoken. The Teacher
said, There should be no haphazard work. Much of this has been
done. Men have assumed authority, but the people should not de-
pend upon poor, finite, erring men. They should put their entire trust
in the wisdom that finds its strength in the wisdom of God. The
inconsistency of centering so many responsibilities in Battle Creek
has been presented many times, but the counsels have not been acted
upon. The reproofs and warnings from the Lord have been evaded
and interpreted and made void by the devices of men. There has
been counterworking against God, and the judgment of men has
been received.
In Battle Creek, and in other places, building has been added
to building, for the sake of making an imposing display. Men have
supposed that this would give character to the work. Their own
characters needed the transforming grace of Christ. This alone is
sufficient to give character to the work. Nothing can be done without
His grace.
The Lord suffers impediments to arise, that His wisdom and
power may be humbly, earnestly, and perseveringly sought, and be
distinctly manifest. Nothing will so quickly and decidedly separate
the soul from God and bring defeat, as for man to lift up his soul
unto vanity, and speak proudly and boastingly, and in a masterly
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manner to his fellowmen, who are the property of God. “Ye are not
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