An Earnest Admonition
Granville, N. S. W., Australia
September [19], 1895
Portions of this manuscript are published in TM 359-364.
I do not find rest in spirit. Scene after scene is presented in symbols before me, and I find no rest until I begin to write out the matter. At the center of the work matters are being shaped so that every other institution is following in the same course. And the General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles. In the working up of plans the same principles are manifest that have controlled matters at Battle Creek for quite a length of time. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 1
I have been shown that the Jewish nation were not brought suddenly into their condition of thought and practice. From generation to generation they were working on false theories, carrying out principles opposed to the truth, and combining with their religion thoughts and plans that were the product of human minds. Human inventions were made supreme. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 2
The holy principles that God has given are represented by the sacred fire, but common fire has been used in place of the sacred. Plans contrary to truth and righteousness are introduced in a subtle manner on the plea that must be done, and that must be done, “because it is for the advancement of the cause of God.” But it is the devising of men that leads to oppression, injustice, and wickedness. The cause of God is free from every taint of injustice. It can gain no advantage by robbing the members of the family of God of their individuality or their rights. All such practices are abhorrent to God. He inspires no such practices as have been entered into by your councils in regard to the publication of books. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 3
The Lord accepts no such transactions; prosperity will not attend those moves. Men connected with His work have been dealing unjustly, and it is time to call a halt. Let men deal with men upon the principles of the Ten Commandments, and not ignore these principles in business transactions. False propositions are assumed as truth and righteousness, and then everything is worked in such a way as to carry out these propositions which are not in accordance with the will of God, but are a misrepresentation of His character. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 4
The great and holy and merciful God will never be in league with dishonest practices; not a single touch of injustice will He vindicate. Men have taken unfair advantage of those whom they supposed to be under their jurisdiction. They were determined to bring the individuals to their terms; they would rule or ruin. There will be no material change until a decided movement is made to bring in a different order of things. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 5
Let no plans or methods be adopted in any of our institutions that will bind mind or talent under the control of human judgment, for this is not in God’s order. God has given to men talents of influence which belong to Him alone, and no greater dishonor can be done to God than for one finite agent to bring other men’s talents under his absolute control, even though the benefits of the same be used to the advantage of the cause. In such arrangements one man’s mind is ruled by another man’s mind, and the human agency is separated from God and exposed to temptation. Satan’s methods tend to one end—to make men the slaves of men. And when this is done, confusion and distrust, jealousies and evil surmisings, are the result. Such a course destroys [man’s] faith in God and in the principles which are to control, to purge from guile and every species of selfishness and hypocrisy. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 6
I have borne abundant testimony, setting forth the fact that the ability to write a book is, like every other talent, a gift from God, for which the possessor is accountable to Him. Those who labor to bring about changes in the publication of books, to place the books wholly under the control of the publishing house or the conference know not what they are talking about. Their eyes are blinded, and they work from a wrong standpoint. Selfishness is a root of bitterness whereby many are defiled. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 7
The Lord God of heaven, who made our world, and who created man, guards the interest of every soul. To every man He has given his work. We are laborers together with God. There are diversities of gifts, and every man should appreciate the moral and spiritual capital which God has entrusted to him. No one should treat these entrusted talents with indifference. No one is accountable for talents he has never had. None should complain of the smallness of their gifts. Every one is to trade on that which God has entrusted to him, working where he can, doing the best possible service for the Master. 10LtMs, Ms 15, 1895, par. 8