connection with the growth of the cause. At an
early stage in the work, God gave us special light upon this point, and
this light, together with the lessons that experience has taught us, should
be carefully considered.
From the first our work was aggressive. Our numbers were few,
and mostly from the poorer class. Our views were almost unknown to
the world. We had no houses of worship, but few publications, and
very limited facilities for carrying forward our work. The sheep were
scattered in the highways and byways, in cities, in towns, in forests.
The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus was our message.
Unity in Faith and Doctrine
My husband, with Elders Joseph Bates, Stephen Pierce, Hiram
Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, was among those
who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for
hidden treasure.
We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we might
be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not divided. One
point at a time was made the subject of investigation. The Scriptures
were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted, that we might be
better fitted to understand the truth.
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After earnest prayer, if any point was not understood it was discussed,
and each one expressed his opinion freely; then we would again bow
in prayer, and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God would
help us to see eye to eye, that we might be one as Christ and the Father
are one. Many tears were shed.
We spent many hours in this way. Sometimes the entire night
was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might
understand the truth for our time. On some occasions the Spirit of God
would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear through
God’s appointed way, and then there was perfect harmony. We were all
of one mind and one spirit.
We sought most earnestly that the Scriptures should not be wrested
to suit any man’s opinions. We tried to make our differences as slight as
possible by not dwelling on points that were of minor importance, upon
which there were varying opinions. But the burden of every soul was
to bring about a condition among the brethren which would answer the
prayer of Christ that His disciples might be one as He and the Father are
one.
Sometimes one or two of the brethren would stubbornly set
themselves against the view presented, and would act out the natural
feelings of the heart; but when this disposition appeared, we suspended
our investigations and adjourned our meeting, that each one might have
an opportunity to go to God in prayer and, without conversation with
others, study the point of difference, asking light from heaven. With
expressions of friendliness we parted, to meet again as soon as possible
for further investigation. At times the power of God came upon us in
a marked manner, and when clear light revealed the points of truth, we
would weep and
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rejoice together. We loved Jesus; we loved one another.
Our numbers gradually increased. The seed that was sown was
watered of God, and He gave the increase. At first we assembled
for worship, and presented the truth to those who would come to
hear, in private houses, in large kitchens, in barns, in groves, and in
schoolhouses; but it was not long before we were able to build humble
houses of worship.
The Introduction of Church Order
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.
Yet there was strong feeling against it among our people. The
first-day Adventists [See appendix.] were opposed to organization, and
most of the Seventh-day Adventists entertained the same ideas. We
sought the Lord with earnest prayer that we might understand His will,
and light was given by His Spirit that there must be order and thorough
discipline in the church—that organization was essential. System and
order are manifest in all the works of God throughout the universe.
Order is the law of heaven, and it should be the law of God’s people
on the earth.
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
We had a hard struggle in establishing organization. Notwithstanding
that the Lord gave testimony after testimony upon this point, the
opposition was strong, and it had to be met again
