Elder White on Organization

The following from Elder James White upon the subject of organization and discipline appeared in the Review of Jan. 4, 1881:—GSAM 344.5

“Organization was designed to secure unity of action, and as a protection from imposture. It was never intended as a scourge to compel obedience, but rather for the protection of the people of God. Christ does not drive his people; he calls them. ‘My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.’ Our Living Head leads the way, and calls his people to follow.GSAM 345.1

“Human creeds cannot produce unity. Church force cannot press the church into one body. Christ never designed that human minds should be moulded for heaven by the influence of other human minds. ‘The head of every man is Christ.’ His part is to lead, and to mould, and to stamp his own image upon the heirs of eternal glory. However important organization may be for the protection of the church, and to secure harmony of action, it must not come in to take the discipline from the hands of the Master.GSAM 345.2