第1270号 在英国的工作；领袖要恐..
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第1270号 在英国的工作；领袖要恐..
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MR No. 1270 - The Work in England; Leaders to Walk With Fear and Trembling Before God, Leading People to the Cross and the True Shepherd
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（1898年8月27日写于新南威尔士州，库兰邦，“森尼赛德”，致“亲爱的普雷斯科特弟兄和姐妹”）
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我一直很渴望你再次到澳大利亚访问我们。如果你能有一段时间在我们的学校作校长，我们就会很高兴。我希望这事能成就。但是我又希望你能在巴特尔克里克学校作校长。然后欧洲及其一切需要来到我面前，我便保持安静，相信你是在最需要你的地方。英国的工人够少的了。那是一个每一步都需付出艰苦努力的地方。你需要行事好像定意要让什么让路移位一样。惟有积极进取的战争才会取得成功。我真的很高兴你在那里，然而要是你能来我们学校带即使一个学期，我就会很快乐了。愿上帝帮助你，乃是我最恳切的祈祷。{17MR208.1}[1]
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(Written August 27, 1898, from Sunnyside, Cooranbong, NSW, to Dear Brother and Sister Prescott.)
§6
I have been very desirous that you should visit us in Australia again. It would be pleasing to us if for a time you could stand as principal of our school. I have hoped this might be. But again, I have desired that you might stand in the school at Battle Creek. Then Europe with all its necessities has come before me, and I have kept quiet, believing that you are in the place where you are most needed. England has had few enough laborers. It is a place where those who labor need to push at every step. You need to act as if you meant that something should give way and move. Aggressive warfare alone will prove successful. I am really pleased that you are there, and yet I would be so glad could you have carried our school through one term, if no more. God help you, is my most earnest prayer. {17MR 208.1}[1]
§7
《现代真理》是一份很重要的期刊，你在家尽力从事这份期刊的工作。主原希望在英国有前进的举动。祂希望在那里建一所学校，而这事除了你没人能做。{17MR208.2}[2]
§8
Present Truth is an important paper, and you are at home in working as best you can with that. The Lord would have advance moves made in England. He desires that a school shall be established there, and this no one can do as well as yourself. {17MR 208.2}[2]
§9
时光短促，必要的工作必须迅速做成。撒但已经看到这一点，他用他欺诈迷惑的能力作工，要使美国的每一件事都陷入混乱，以便使你和他人本来能够也应该做成的工作成为不可能。本应该在英国做成的工作已经被在美国左右事情的那种能力阻止了。人的智慧与上帝的智慧分离，没有联络，已在美国十分明显的专权的精神并没有局限在那个国家，而是扩张其能力以影响其它国家。我很怕那些行事好像盲人的人。上帝的事业和工作需要愿意照料上帝所赐之工的人；要是情况是这样，人们原会听从上帝的忠告，而非愚人的智慧，那种智慧只是自以为聪明。{17MR208.3}[3]
§10
Time is short, and that work which is essential must be done quickly. Satan has seen this, and he has worked with his deceptive, intriguing power to entangle everything in America so that the work that you and others could and should have done has been made impossible. And the work which should have been done in England has been blocked by the very same power that has swayed things in America. The wisdom of men disconnected and out of touch with the wisdom of God, the spirit of arbitrary authority which has manifested itself so decidedly in America, has not been confined to that country but has extended its power to leaven other countries. I am afraid of the men who have moved like blind men. The cause and work of God demands men who will attend to the work God has given them; and had this been the case, men would have listened to the counsel of God, and not to the wisdom of fools, wise only in their own conceits. {17MR 208.3}[3]
§11
一个又一个凌晨我两点钟就醒了，常常在（午夜）12点就醒了。在夜间时分，一些在圣工的大中心居于负责岗位之人的不忠心行为在异象中显在我面前。理事会在这个大中心，如果保持纯洁不败坏，原会如同上帝的声音；然而人们却按照上帝的道所谴责的原则行事，他们没有听从或顺从上帝的声音。他们像耶户一样，凶猛地行在一条路线上，要根除上帝的子民对那些忠于主圣工之人的信任。他们设法确立自己的权威，同时却出卖了上帝的圣工。他们在做决定和筹谋计划的时候，设法使他们那些压迫人的命令对上帝的子民来说是上帝的声音。{17MR209.1}[4]
§12
Morning after morning I awake at 2 a.m., and often at 12 p.m. [midnight]. During the night season has been presented before me the unfaithfulness of men who have occupied positions of responsibility at the great heart of the work. The councils at this great center, if kept pure and uncorrupted, would have been as the voice of God; but men have worked upon principles that are condemned by the word of God, and they have not heard nor obeyed the voice of God. Like Jehu, they have driven furiously in a course to uproot the confidence of Gods people in men who are true to the Masters cause. They have sought to establish their own authority, while betraying the cause of God. While making decisions, and devising and planning, they have tried to make their oppressive human orders as the voice of God to His people. {17MR 209.1}[4]
§13
当这些事被显示给我时，我的灵在我里面燃烧，我在极度的懊悔中向上帝呼求，因为那些采取了这种做法却不感到懊悔的人，因为他们不留心，不顾正确的原则。人生的道路被我无法用言语来形容的危险所包围，现今比其它任何时候都更加严重。只要一次偏离成圣原则的道路，撒但就会占有优势，并继续诱导人越来越远离正义和真理。上帝号召每一个参与祂事业和工作的男人和女人此时都要恐惧战兢地行在祂面前，免得将自我交织在祂的工作中，他们就被诱导忽视需要仔细小心、虔诚注意和考虑的事。{17MR209.2}[5]
§14
My spirit burns within me as these things are revealed to me, and I cry to God in an agony of remorse, because of those who have pursued this course and who feel no remorse, because of their heedless disregard of right principles. At this time above all others the paths of life are beset with perils that I cannot find language to describe. In a single departure from the path of sanctified principle, Satan obtains an advantage, and he leads on and on, farther and farther from right and truth. God calls every man and women who has any connection with His cause and work at this time to walk with fear and trembling before Him, lest self become interwoven with His work, and they be led to neglect the very things that require careful, prayerful watching and consideration. {17MR 209.2}[5]
§15
多多忽略较小的事导致管家工作的不忠心，直到连责任的最高要求也认不出来了。他们想要设计某种非常奇妙的事，做什么会令人惊讶却不改革的事。然而我们若是愿意获得最高的教育，就必须确保较小的事不被忽视，以便能掌握和从事更大的事。我们若是本着敬畏上帝的心忠心地做小事，更大的责任就会容易处理了。{17MR210.1}[6]
§16
With many neglect of the smaller matters leads to unfaithful stewardship, until the highest claims of duty are unrecognized. They want to devise some very wonderful thing, to do something that will astonish but not reform. But if we would attain to the highest education, we must be sure that the smaller matters are not neglected in order that we may grasp and do great things. If in the fear of God we are faithful in the performance of the little things, the larger responsibilities will be light to handle. {17MR 210.1}[6]
§17
当那些身居高位的人并不认为必须像钢铁般忠于原则，忠于同胞时，他们就不会忠于上帝，最高的主权。那些蒙托付高位重责的人若是以那些与上帝没有任何联络的人为向导，就必在他们从事的任何一方面的工作上失败。世上的人无论老幼，都难免遭遇撒但的试探。凡自愿与不圣洁的人结交的人，都会感染他们的精神，并结出同样的果实。我们任何人唯一的保障，都在于谦卑地与上帝同行，走主所指引的路。在顺从“耶和华如此说”上，始终有安全和保护。{17MR210.2}[7]
§18
When those in high places of trust do not consider it essential to be true as steel to principle, true to their fellow men, they will not be true to God, the highest sovereignty. If those who are entrusted with responsibilities in high places take as their guide human beings who have no connection with God, they will make shipwreck of the work in every line they handle. Not for any soul living, be they young or old, is there security from the temptations of Satan, and those who choose to bind up with unholy men will imbibe their spirit and bear similar fruit. The only safety for any one of us is in walking humbly with God, in going where the Master leads the way. There is always safety and protection in obeying a Thus saith the Lord. {17MR 210.2}[7]
§19
人们可能不知不觉就犯错。最有良心的人也会犯错误和失足，因为他们没有听从所赐的忠告；然而在任何情况下都要小心那些反对真理和公义精神的人。要与那些从未背叛上帝圣工的人保持密切的信任和友谊。惟有负基督的轭并挑祂的担子的人才是安全的，不是他们自己或某个他们所知道与上帝没有联络而且行事与祂的道路和旨意相反之人制造的重担，而是基督的担子。惟有学习基督内心柔和谦卑的人才是安全的。{17MR210.3}[8]
§20
Men may err unwittingly. The most conscientious will make mistakes and take missteps, because they do not heed the counsel given; but in every case beware of the men who oppose the spirit of truth and righteousness. Keep close in confidence and friendship to those who have never betrayed the cause of God. They only are safe who wear the yoke of Christ and lift His burdens--not burdens which have been manufactured by themselves or by someone whom they know has no connection with God and who is working contrary to His way and will, but the burdens of Christ. They only are safe who learn of Christ His meekness, His lowliness of heart. {17MR 210.3}[8]
§21
我们需要不住地祷告。要衷心仰慕上帝。要每天每时倾心祈祷、相信、倚赖、把握应许，像雅各那样说：“祢不给我祝福，我就不容祢去”（创30:26）。（并像大卫那样说），上帝啊，“我的脚踏定了你的路径，我的两脚未曾滑跌，”陷入世人为我的脚所挖掘的深坑（诗17:5）。{17MR211.1}[9]
§22
We need to pray without ceasing. Let the heart long after God. Let the heart go out in daily, hourly prayer, believing, trusting, holding on to the promise, saying as did Jacob, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me; [and saying as did David], Hold up my goings in Thy path. O God, that my footsteps slip not into the pitfalls which men have dug for my feet. [Psalms 17:5] {17MR 211.1}[9]
§23
一次撤除良心的保障，没能做主已规划要做的事，在错误原则的道路上踏出一步，往往就会导致生活和行为的全部改变。人们身居负责岗位却不明白何说是何时说不，乃是一件可怕的事。撒但已利用人们去欺骗、引诱、出卖人，以便达到某种自私的目的。上帝说：“我的百姓一直被那些忘记上帝的人所欺骗，他们行事为人与祂的话相反，觉得自己不需要来自上头的亮光，行在很滑的道路上。”人们随从人的发明不再安全。我们惟一的保障在于跟从基督所带领的道路。这条路必越走越明，直到日午。{17MR211.2}[10]
§24
The removal of one safeguard from the conscience, the failure to do the very thing that the Lord has marked out, one step in the path of wrong principle, often leads to an entire change of the life and action. It is a terrible thing for men standing in responsible positions not to understand when to say Yea, and when Nay. Satan has used men to deceive, to allure, to betray souls that they may obtain some selfish purpose. God says, My people have been deceived by men who forget God, who walk contrary to His word, who have felt they have no need of light from above, and who have walked in slippery paths. It is no longer safe for human souls to follow human devisings. We are safe only in following where Christ leads the way. The path will grow clearer, brighter and brighter, unto the perfect day. {17MR 211.2}[10]
§25
使徒保罗说：“当恐惧战兢做成你们得救的工夫。因为你们立志行事，都是上帝在你们心里运行，为要成就祂的美意”（腓2:12,13）。人的职责是与上帝合作。他若独自行走，脚步就会在显然最安全的道路上滑跌。我们单靠人的智慧，走一步也是不安全的。我们若想一无所惧地行走，就必须确知有耶稣基督的手紧紧地拉住我们。我们惟有查考永生上帝的圣言，才能明白这事。保罗对提摩太的嘱咐是：“这话是可信的，是十分可佩服的。我们劳苦努力，正是为此，因我们的指望在乎永生的上帝；祂是万人的救主，更是信徒的救主。这些事，你要吩咐人，也要教导人。不可叫人小看你年轻，总要在言语、行为、爱心、信心、清洁上，都作信徒的榜样。你要以宣读、劝勉、教导为念，直等到我来。你不要轻忽所得的恩赐，就是从前藉着预言、在众长老按手的时候赐给你的。这些事你要殷勤去做，并要在此专心，使众人看出你的长进来。你要谨慎自己和自己的教训，要在这些事上恒心；因为这样行，又能救自己，又能救听你的人”（提前4:9-16）。{17MR211.3}[11]
§26
The apostle Paul says: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure [Philippians 2:12, 13]. Mans business is to work in cooperation with God. Alone, his feet will slip in apparently the safest path. We cannot walk one step safely in mere human wisdom. If we would walk without fear, we must know that the hand of Jesus Christ holds our own firmly. And we can know this only by searching the Word of the living God. Pauls charge to Timothy is: [1 Timothy 4:9-16, quoted]. {17MR 211.3}[11]
§27
无限的爱心怜悯那些处在危险境地的人——当祂看到人们藉着言语、藉着信任、藉着行动被高举的时候，那些人对人的法律和势力有信心，他们不同情也看不出贫穷人的苦难，人们可能在痛苦不幸中向他们呼求，但他们的心却依然刚硬如坚石。我们可以转离这个画面，注意上帝，而且惟独注意祂。上帝希望人认识到自己需要倚靠祂，并要信靠那只能拯救到底的手，和那颗因感应受苦人类的呼求而跳动的心。我们不可倚赖人血肉的膀臂。我们必须将我们的倚靠寄托在那只因富有生命而温暖的手，和那颗因怜爱无助之人而跳动的心。{17MR212.1}[12]
§28
The heart of infinite love pities those who are in perilous places--when He sees men exalt by word, by confidence, by action those who have faith in human law and force, who have no pity and who cannot discern the sufferings of the needy, to whom souls may cry in their agony of distress but whose hearts remain as hard as adamant. We may turn away from this picture, and look to God, and Him alone. God desires that men shall feel their dependence upon Him, and trust to that Hand that can save to the uttermost, that Heart that throbs in response to the appeals of suffering humanity. We must not trust in man, or make flesh our arm. Our trust must be placed in a Hand and a Heart that is warm with life, that throbs with love for the helpless. {17MR 212.1}[12]
§29
1898年9月1日
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我刚才在和丹尼尔斯长老、斯塔尔长老和W.C.怀特长老交谈。我们在考虑关系我们学校的事：下学期谁作校长。我心中立刻想到了你，但W.C.怀特说：“我希望我们可以，但我们不敢催他离开欧洲。英格兰几乎没有工人。”{17MR212.2}[13]
§31
【September 1, 1898】
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I have just been having some conversation with Elders Daniells, Starr, and W. C. White. We were considering matters relating to our school: Who shall be preceptor the next term. My mind at once referred to you, but W. C. White said, I wish we could, but we dare not urge him away from Europe. England is almost destitute of workers. {17MR 212.2}[13]
§33
我知道现状，就不敢再进一步说什么了。W.C.怀特然后介绍了欧洲的现状，以及英格兰多么需要普雷斯科特弟兄，说他能推进那里的工作和将要在那里建立的学校。这么做的时间已经完全来到了。妨碍在于我们缺乏资金，然而工作必须前进。人们必须前往英格兰去帮助那里的工作。W.C.怀特说：“我们必须扶住普雷斯科特弟兄的手。我们必须做出一切努力并注意使资金毫不迟延地汇到英格兰。”我的弟兄，要在主里很有勇气。一项工作要在英格兰完成。上帝必帮助你和瓦格纳长老从事这项工作，别人也会加添到你们的队伍中。{17MR212.3}[14]
§34
I knew the situation, and dared not express anything farther. W. C. White then presented the situation of Europe, and how very much Brother Prescott was needed in England, saying that he could advance the work and the school which is to be established there. The time for this has fully come. The want of means is the objection, but the work must advance. Men must go to England to help there in the work. We must, said W. C. W., hold up the hands of Brother Prescott. We must make every effort and see that means is sent to England without delay. Be of good courage in the Lord, my brother. A work is to be done in England. God will help you and Elder Waggoner to do this work, and others will be added to your number. {17MR 212.3}[14]
§35
当我考虑我们的人在巴特尔克里克过去的历史时，我的心灵就感到剧烈的痛苦。要是我能够的话，我就似乎愿意回到过去的年月，将他们从他们的历史抹去。最近的交易告诉我们，那些还没有学到教训的人，在上帝的事上还没有深刻经验的人，已经大言不惭地上前来了。他们虽然言辞流利，却没有真正的理解力。真教育会教导他们听从智慧的话语：“你们要休息，要知道我是上帝”（诗46:10）！他们的话一直像哗哗的小溪；缺乏深度，制造最多的噪音。{17MR213.1}[15]
§36
As I consider the past history of our people in Battle Creek, I suffer intense agony of soul. It seems, if I could, that I would roll back the years that have been, and blot them out from their history. Very recent transactions tell us that those who have not yet learned their lesson, who have not had a depth of experience in the things of God, have come forward with their bold words. They are fluent in words but destitute of true understanding. True education would teach them to listen to the words of wisdom, Be still, and know that I am God. Their words have been like a brawling brook; lacking depth, it makes the most noise. {17MR 213.1}[15]
§37
然而主并没有撇弃祂的子民。祂必与每一颗完全转向祂的心同工。许多很乐于发言的人并不在上帝之灵的灵感之下。这些人愿意从课本学习作行道的人吗？只有有限经验的小伙子们正在来到前线；要是他们学会了耶稣基督的柔和谦卑，这就很好。{17MR213.2}[16]
§38
But the Lord has not left His people. He will work with each heart that turns fully to Him. Many of those who are so ready of speech are not under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. Will these ever learn from the lesson book to be doers of the Word? Striplings who have but a limited experience are coming to the front; and this is well if they have learned the meekness and lowliness of Jesus Christ. {17MR 213.2}[16]
§39
在创世之前就与父同在的至高者甘愿屈辱；祂以人性披覆了祂的神性，以便提升卑微的人。预言揭开了幔子，使我们能看到天上的宝座，看到在那个高高的宝座上，有一位以人形来到我们的世界受苦，为我们的罪孽受了鞭伤和打击。因祂受的刑罚我们得平安，因祂受的鞭伤我们得医治。祂宣称自己是有罪人类家庭的中保。在天上所有的世界面前，荣耀的主以人形受了难，以便祂的爱作为一个强大的帮助者，可以丰富地流向所有受苦的人。祂在极度痛苦中大声喊叫。祂为一只迷羊而在十字架上将命倾倒。{17MR213.3}[17]
§40
The Highest, who was with the Father before the world was, submitted to humiliation; He clothed His divinity with humanity that He might lift up the lowly. Prophecy lifts the veil that we may behold the throne of heaven, that we may see upon that throne, high and lifted up, One who in human form came to our world to suffer, to be lacerated with stripes and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. He proclaims Himself the Advocate of the sinful human family. Before all the universe of heaven the Lord of glory suffered in human form, that His love, as a mighty Helper, might flow in rich currents to all suffering human beings. He cried out in His agony. He poured out His life on the cross for the one lost sheep. {17MR 213.3}[17]
§41
全天庭都被调动起来，恳劝基督的工人们去重新找回有罪的迷羊。必须将迷失的羊重新找回来。天上所有的资源都供感兴趣的工人们支配，以便他们将之给予将亡的人。圣经宣布父在祂儿子的伟大恩赐中赐下了全天庭，为要寻找拯救失丧的人。“当那日，必有话向耶路撒冷说：不要惧怕！锡安哪；不要手软！耶和华你的上帝是施行拯救、大有能力的主。祂在你中间必因你欢欣喜乐，默然爱你，且因你喜乐而欢呼。那些属你、为无大会愁烦、因你担当羞辱的，我必聚集他们。那时，我必罚办一切苦待你的人，又拯救你瘸腿的，聚集你被赶出的。那些在全地受羞辱的，我必使他们得称赞，有名声。那时，我必领你们进来，聚集你们；我使你们被掳之人归回的时候，就必使你们在地上的万民中有名声，得称赞。这是耶和华说的”（番3:16-20）。{17MR214.1}[18]
§42
And all heaven is enlisted in beseeching Christs laborers to recover the guilty sheep that was lost. The lost sheep must be recovered. All the resources of heaven are at the command of the interested workers, that they may bestow them upon perishing souls. The Word declares that the Father has given all heaven in the great gift of His Son to seek and save that which was lost. [Zephaniah 3:16-20, quoted.] {17MR 214.1}[18]
§43
十字架！十字架！它被树立起来以便我们能了解和认识惟一的真上帝和祂所差来的耶稣基督。它告诉我们无限之爱的深度和宽度，天父之爱的伟大。它揭示惊人的真理，就是父上帝竟然在祂的儿子里舍了自己，以便享有重新得回迷羊的喜乐。{17MR214.2}[19]
§44
The cross! the cross! it is set up that we may understand and know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. It tells us of the depth and breadth of infinite love, the greatness of the Fathers love. It reveals the astonishing truth that God the Father gave Himself in His Son, that He might have the joy of receiving back the sheep that was lost. {17MR 214.2}[19]
§45
我们要与上帝合作，将迷羊带回祂的羊圈。那么，我的弟兄，我的姐妹，我劝你们继续工作。要用活泼的信心持住神性的能力，将羊带回到为它舍命的牧人身边。“智慧人必发光如同天上的光；那使多人归义的，必发光如星，直到永永远远”（但12:3）。{17MR214.3}[20]
§46
We will cooperate with God in leading back to His fold the lost sheep. Then, my brother, my sister, work on, I beseech you. By living faith lay hold of the power of divinity, and lead the sheep back to the Shepherd who gave His life for it. They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever [Daniel 12:3]. {17MR 214.3}[20]
§47
天将破晓，我必须停笔休息一下。但我希望你们知道我们同情你们也同情瓦格纳弟兄。{17MR214.4}[21]
§48
The day is breaking, and I must stop for a little rest. But I want you to know that we sympathize with you and with Brother Waggoner. {17MR 214.4}[21]
§49
我们没有时间可以浪费。趁着白日，让我们努力使走迷的人回到生命之路吧。“保守自己常在上帝的爱中，仰望我们主耶稣基督的怜悯，直到永生。有些人存疑心，你们要怜悯他们；有些人你们要从火中抢出来，搭救他们；有些人你们要存惧怕的心怜悯他们，连那被情欲沾染的衣服也当厌恶。那能保守你们不失脚、叫你们无瑕无疵、欢欢喜喜站在祂荣耀之前的我们的救主独一的上帝，愿荣耀、威严、能力、权柄，因我们的主耶稣基督归与祂，从万古以前并现今，直到永永远远。阿们”（犹21-25）。（《信函》1898年第71号）怀爱伦著作托管委员会1987年7月9日全文发表于美国首都华盛顿。{17MR214.5}[22]
§50
We have no time to lose. While the day lasts, let us work to turn the wandering ones to the path of life. [Jude 21-25, quoted]--Letter 71, 1898. Ellen G. White Estate Washington, D. C. July 9, 1987. Entire Letter. {17MR 214.5}[22]
§51
[这份文件中的意见是怀爱伦在一次只有一小群人参加的总会上发表的。总会于1901年重组以提供广泛的代表性之后，怀夫人采取了一种不同的观点。在1909年的总会上，她鼓励人们有力地支持总会。她在那次会议上说过：“过去曾有几次，少数受委托综理圣工的人，利用全球总会的名义，企图行使不智的计划以限制上帝的工作，那时我曾说，我不再将这几个人所代表的总会的主张视为上帝的声音。然而这并不是说，经各地正式选派代表出席的总会大会所作的决断，是不必尊重的。上帝已命定从各地教会派遣出席总会大会的代表具有权柄。……但愿我们要将那易于交给一个人或少数人的权威，交给教会的最高组织。”——《证言》卷九第260,261页。详见《榆园早期岁月》，A.L.怀特著，第75-94,108-110页。]{17MR215.1}[23]
§52
【EXPLANATORY NOTE】
§53
[THE OPINIONS IN THIS DOCUMENT WERE EXPRESSED BY ELLEN WHITE AT A TIME WHEN ONLY A SMALL GROUP REPRESENTED THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. AFTER THE GENERAL CONFERENCE WAS REORGANIZED IN 1901 TO PROVIDE BROAD REPRESENTATION, MRS. WHITE TOOK A DIFFERENT VIEW. AT THE 1909 GENERAL CONFERENCE SHE ENCOURAGED STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. AT THAT SESSION SHE SAID: AT TIMES, WHEN A SMALL GROUP OF MEN ENTRUSTED WITH THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE WORK HAVE, IN THE NAME OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, SOUGHT TO CARRY OUT UNWISE PLANS AND TO RESTRICT GODS WORK, I HAVE SAID THAT I COULD NO LONGER REGARD THE VOICE OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, REPRESENTED BY THESE FEW MEN, AS THE VOICE OF GOD. BUT THIS IS NOT SAYING THAT THE DECISIONS OF A GENERAL CONFERENCE COMPOSED OF AN ASSEMBLY OF DULY APPOINTED, REPRESENTATIVE MEN FROM ALL PARTS OF THE FIELD SHOULD NOT BE RESPECTED. GOD HAS ORDAINED THAT THE REPRESENTATIVES OF HIS CHURCH FROM ALL PARTS OF THE EARTH, WHEN ASSEMBLED IN A GENERAL CONFERENCE, SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY. . . . LET US GIVE TO THE HIGHEST ORGANIZED AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH THAT WHICH WE ARE PRONE TO GIVE TO ONE MAN OR TO A SMALL GROUP OF MEN.--TESTIMONIES, VOL. 9, PP. 260, 261. SEE FURTHER THE EARLY ELMSHAVEN YEARS, BY A. L. WHITE, PP. 75-94, 108-110.] {17MR 215.1}[23]