Our Roots, Pt. 44

Toward the end of 1907 Ellen White was again dealing with that recurring organizational problem—the exercise of kingly power. This problem had not existed in significant proportions since the reorganization of 1901. (Ellen White had, from time to time during the previous six years, reproved Daniells for specific instances of kingly power. But it never became a major problem in the General Conference under Daniells because he consistently accepted the reproof and made prompt correction of the situation.) The kingly power Ellen White now had to address was at a local conference rather than the General Conference. The size of the sphere in which it was manifested made no difference—the exercise of kingly power must be stopped wherever it made an appearance.

The kingly power now in evidence was being exercised by the California Conference president. The conference was due to have its constituency meeting in late 1907. Ellen White didn’t attend, but she did send W. C. White with some very pointed messages from her to be read at the meetings, “This message is spoken to our churches in every place. In the false experience that has been coming in, a decided influence is at work to exalt human agencies, and to lead some to depend on human judgment, and to follow the control of human minds. This influence is diverting the mind from God, and God forbid that any such experience should deepen and grow in our ranks as Seventh-day Adventists. Our petitions are to reach higher than erring man—to God” (Manuscript 73, 1907).

The messages got even more pointed, even calling for the president’s immediate replacement, “I am deeply convicted on some points. I must speak in regard to the position that Elder Reaser is occupying. I know, from the light God has given me, that if this is allowed to continue, God will be greatly dishonored.

“God calls His servants to seek light and understanding and spiritual strength from One who is infinite in wisdom; they are to put their dependence upon One who is able to help in every emergency.

“The conditions that have existed in southern California this past year are not such as God can approve. To those who have clear discernment it is not hard to see the results of placing men in positions where they are mind and judgment for their brethren.

“Those who accept such a work and authority show that they have not a true and wise understanding of the Scriptures. If these men were close students of the Word of God, they would see that by adopting such a course, they are leading men and women to depend on human wisdom instead of seeking it from God” (Letter 246, 1907).

When the constituency meeting reelected this president anyway Ellen White began five and a half months of intense correspondence with him to help him see the errors of his ways and correct them. This effort eventually bore the fruit of a changed attitude.

Ellen White faced this sort of situation again in January of 1910. This time it was the president of the Pacific Union Conference that was exercising kingly power. And this time Ellen White attended the constituency meeting in person. One morning she delivered an address to the delegates about the need to walk humbly with God.

“Those who are standing in responsible positions should understand clearly that they are not rulers over their fellow-workers. Men in responsibility should be Christlike in deportment. They need to be leaders in every reformatory movement for the purification of the church. They are to reveal that angels of God are constantly round about them, and that they are laboring under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Carefully are they to avoid everything that savors of a spirit of selfishness and self-esteem; for in meekness and humility of heart they are to be ensamples to the flock.

“…In all their dealings with God’s heritage, they are to avoid ruling arbitrarily. We are thankful that such manifestations of arbitrary dealings one with another as have been seen in years past, are not seen so often now.” (Pacific Union Recorder, April 14, 1910)

That afternoon members of the nominating committee visited Ellen White to ask for advice. She advised them that a new president was needed. That same afternoon she wrote a letter to the current president explaining to him why he should not continue in office. The next morning she read this letter to the delegates of the meeting and followed it up with some remarks elaborating on the necessity for the change.

The thrust of these remarks was that it was God calling for a change and that it was her responsibility to deliver that message clearly and forcefully, “Brethren, God is in earnest with us. He does not desire Brother [H. W.] Cottrell to take a position that will lead both him and many others to make wrong decisions. Some may think it cruel to speak thus plainly; but it would be very cruel to allow our brother to cherish his natural tendency to think that when he takes a position he has to hold to this position without changing his view” (Manuscript 25, 1910).

This time the constituency meeting took her advice and elected a new president.

Next: Division Conferences