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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 34 Page: 665 (~1872)

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665 no more properly be dispensed with than can the preaching of the word; indeed it is made the means to the end, that the word may be preached to the entire world. These officers form the army of workers in the affairs of the church, both spiritual and temporal; it being intended by the law that they shall work harmoniously together; and further providing for all the peculiar conditions which may be involved in preaching the word.

"The appointing of a presiding officer with suitable assistants is but a step on in the organization of powers for the common end; and instead of this one arrogating to himself the aims, object, titles, and powers of an autocrat, he is but an arm of the public service, and must labor in accordance with the law governing the whole. Should he cease to be governed by that law, he ceases to be a 'servant of all.' The localizing a center of religious government was a measure introduced with a view of facilitating the carrying on of the work in its entirety; not for the purpose of centralizing power. Those who now fear the concentration of power would do well to make a more thorough examination of the objects of church association, and study to a better conclusion the theory of the gospel as applied to human associations. There can be no possible better guarantees given to a people for the maintenance of their liberty than those assured to the people of the church in their organic church law; and it is only necessary that it be known that any one intrusted with the liberties of the people is proving recreant to his trust to apply the remedy. Concentration is only to be feared when the power of applying the remedy is denied, or the law by which it is guaranteed is ignored. So far as the Reorganization is concerned, this power is not denied nor the law ignored.

"The realization of sufficient temporal means to carry on the affairs of the church government has been the occasion of much thought, teaching, labor, discussion, debate, animadversion, and finally of abuse. The list of officers comprises those to whom belongs the duty of engaging in and looking after the temporal matters of the church, and the manners and methods by which the incumbents

(page 665)

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