Presidents on test and trial

Those who have been chosen as presidents of conferences are on test and trial to see if they will be wise men in positions of trust, to reveal whether Christ is working in and through them so that they can represent His character and express themselves in their words and actions toward His heritage for whom He has given His own precious life. He will not suffer these men who are entrusted with responsibilities to harm His children. He will punish all who are acting in His stead if they suffer one to be hurt, bruised, or discouraged and become crippled in spirit, or influence through the course they pursue, or if they look with indifference on the wrong course of another who claims to believe the truth. He will surely punish the one who misrepresents Christ in character, in words, in attitude.PCL 154.3

Every arbitrary exaction of man toward his fellow man will react upon himself in double measure. Just in proportion as the human agent is a partaker of the divine nature he will be in sympathy with Christ.—MS 45, 1894 (November)PCL 155.1

Many of the presidents of the several conferences do not answer the measurement of God.PCL 155.2

. . . If they have not understood their work, and the qualifications essential, it is vain to expect that they will do in the future, that clear, decided, forcible work which God requires. Please notice (Exodus 18:16): Moses said, “When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” This work is still to be done, and if the men who now bear responsibilities will not do it, then it must be committed to others. The Lord’s work must be carried forward without guile, hypocrisy, or covetousness.PCL 155.3

In His instruction to Moses the Lord very plainly set forth the character of those who were to fill important positions as counselors. They are to be “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.” The Lord’s counsel has been strangely neglected. There are men in places of holy trust who when reproved, have cared naught for it. Some who for years have stood as counselors, have boldly stated that they would not receive the testimonies given. In triumph they have declared that many of our most responsible men have lost faith in the messages coming from Sister White. Thus the rejecters of light have been strengthened in their unbelief, feeling that they had quite a strong confederacy.PCL 155.4

Men who have had the light, have walked contrary to the light. These words are appropriate: “Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.” The malaria of unbelief has been diffusing its deathly atmosphere throughout the ranks, nigh and afar off. All this has been stated plainly, yet for years matters have been left unchanged. Can the Lord’s favor be expected under such circumstances?—Letter 24a, 1896 (August)PCL 155.5