Organization and Development
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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 them-
selves 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 rejoice together. We loved Jesus; we loved one
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another.
The Introduction Of Church Order
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.
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