MR No. 138—The Election of the General Conference President

I fear that our brethren do not realize how many burdens the officers of the General Conference must bear. Many, many letters from all parts of the field come to them, asking for advice and help. Men in every part of the field think that they should certainly receive help from the General Conference. Workers who have been long in the truth freely lay their whole weight upon the president of the General Conference, sending urgent requests for means, or for his personal labors to help them in the raising of means.—Manuscript 68, 1904, 1. (“General Conference Men Unduly Burdened,” June 30, 1904.)2MR 199.1

I understand that Elder Daniells has been chosen as president of the General Conference and Elder Irwin vice-president. This arrangement seems to be satisfactory to all. [In the paragraphs deleted Mrs. White discusses evangelistic work in the large cities.].... Elder Daniells has had a hard and trying place for many months, and besides, it is of no use to place the burden of the work of the presidency on one man. The light given me is that no less than three men should be united in this work. One man should not try to do all the work.—Letter 137, 1905, pp. 1, 2. (To Mrs. G. A. Irwin, May 18, 1905.)2MR 199.2

I have received your letters regarding the council held in New York, and the efforts that are being made in behalf of the multitudes in the large cities. I have also read your letters of August 4 and 5 to W. C. White. I intended to answer your letters immediately, but I have been carrying so heavy a burden that I thought I must wait till I could write you clearly.2MR 199.3

The position you have taken is in the order of the Lord, and now I would encourage you with the words, Go forward as you have begun, using your position of influence as president of the General Conference for the advancement of the work we are called upon to do. In this way you can disappoint the enemy. You will need all the influence that the Lord gives you as a wise leader to encourage your associates in responsibility to take hold of the city work, and to carry it forward in a sensible way.2MR 200.1

I am glad for this letter you have sent me, telling us of what you are doing. The light that I have from the Lord is that this same experience will be needed by others. You will now be able, not only to take up the work yourself, but also to exercise your influence as president of the General Conference to lead out in the very work that the Lord has appointed to be done.—Letter 68, 1910, p. 1. (To A. G. Daniells, August11, 1910.)2MR 200.2

Released April 19, 1962.