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Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
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 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.
Entering Upon New Enterprises
We had a hard struggle in establishing organization. Notwithstand-
ing that the Lord gave testimony after testimony upon this point, the
opposition was strong, and it had to be met again and again. But we
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knew that the Lord God of Israel was leading us, and guiding by His
providence. We engaged in the work of organization, and marked
prosperity attended this advance movement.
As the development of the work called upon us to engage in new
enterprises, we were prepared to enter upon them. The Lord directed
our minds to the importance of the educational work. We saw the need
of schools, that our children might receive instruction free from the
errors of false philosophy, that their training might be in harmony with
the principles of the word of God. The need of a health institution
had been urged upon us, both for the help and instruction of our own
people and as a means of blessing and enlightenment to others. This
enterprise also was carried forward. All this was missionary work of
the highest order.
The Results Of United Effort
Our work was not sustained by large gifts or legacies; for we have
few wealthy men among us. What is the secret of our prosperity? We
have moved under the orders of the Captain of our salvation. God has
blessed our united efforts. The truth has spread and flourished. Insti-
tutions have multiplied. The mustard seed has grown to a great tree.
The system of organization has proved a grand success. Systematic