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Church of Christ
35
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 sus-
pended our investigations and adjourned our meeting, that each one
might have an opportunity to go to God in prayer and, without con-
versation 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
[26]
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.
We had a hard struggle in establishing organization. Notwith-
standing that the Lord gave testimony after testimony upon this