text: Very well done, Elder Patterson. This represents a similarity to legal brief writing, per my law school days. I appreciate that this work stays focused on established policy, with very helpful commentary on context and parallel analogies. Such a writing is a helpful tool designed for those who desire to make an informed judgement on a matter. Thank you for this very careful and informative presentation of our Church structure and its intended function. 
  
  EGW: "As our numbers increased, it was evident that without some form of organization there would be great confusion, and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable." --Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 26; see 1T, 210-216.