Our Roots, Pt. 7

We now go back to the series of Review articles on organization. Here we are reproducing the fourth and fifth articles, which were published on February 21 and February 28, 1907.


#4

The first definite proposal to be found in the records of our history to organize the affairs of this cause was made by Elder James White in the REVIEW AND HERALD, Feb. 25, 1860. The gifts for leadership with which Elder White was endowed placed him, at the beginning of this cause, in the front of the battle. From the first it was his lot to bear the heaviest cares and responsibilities connected with its progressive measures.

His large views of the character and scope of the message, and his careful study of the complications that were continually arising with the growth of the work, gave him clear and positive convictions that organization was a necessity. But knowing how generally and decidedly both ministers and people were opposed to organization, he waited long before making it an open issue. The time came, however, when it could no longer be delayed with safety, and then he fearlessly launched the movement.

Believing that the reader who is following this series closely will be especially interested in the first printed call for organization, I will here give the entire statement as it appeared in the REVIEW : —

To those who have so kindly and generously lent money to this office, we wish to say that as an individual, we do not wish to be considered in any way responsible for it. We act simply as publishing agent by direction of the Publishing Committee, for which we receive about three fifths the amount of our yearly expenses. And there are no reasons why we should be responsible for borrowed money used for the benefit of this office, which is the property of the church at large. This property is not insured, therefore in case of fire, would be a total loss. Those who consider it proper to let their money remain at the office under these circumstances, will do so at their own risk.

We hope, however, that the time is not far distant when this people will be in that position necessary to be able to get church property insured, hold their meeting-houses in a proper manner, that those persons making their wills, and wishing to do so, can appropriate a portion to the publishing department. Till this can be brought around, we must do the best we can; but we wish it distinctly understood that we bear no individual responsibility in the matter. To illustrate: A sister in Vermont proposed to let the office have the use of one hundred dollars, without interest, as several others had done. The money was sent, and also a note filled out for us to sign. We refused to write "James White," but in its place, wrote "Advent Review and Sabbath Herald Office," and sent it back to Vermont. In a few weeks the note was returned, and the money called back. This was all done in good feeling. We call on preachers and leading brethren to give this matter their attention. If any object to our suggestions, will they please write out a plan on which we as a people can act? — James White, in Review and Herald, Vol. XV, page 108, Feb. 23, 1860.

This statement set on foot a definite and powerful movement in our ranks for organization. From the time it appeared in the REVIEW, the agitation and discussion of the subject never ceased until organization was successfully and permanently established. But the advocates of organization found that they had on their hands a difficult task. The opposition which this proposal encountered was described a few years later by Elder White as follows: —

Time never can show the bad results of the spirit of anti-organization among us. It kindled and raged like fire at the first suggestion of organization. It prostrated the cause everywhere, and when the scale turned in favor of organization, there was hardly a congregation among us, from Maine to Minnesota, but what had become so distracted and discouraged that they needed the labors of some faithful preacher a month before they were prepared for organization.— Review and Herald, Vol. XXI, page 140, March 31, 1863.

In another article published nearly three years after making his first proposal regarding organization, Elder White published the following statement : —

About all that has been done among the Seventh-day Adventists in relation to organization, is to silence the batteries of those who opposed it, and by dint of battle to succeed in forming the Publishing Association. And there the matter hangs, and we are not in as good condition to make a general strike for organization as we were two and a half years since, when the subject was first introduced. 1. Because those who were then ready to take hold of the work of organizing churches and conferences with courage and hope, have had their courage worn out, and their hopes dimmed, by the opposition of some, and what has been worse, the wavering, hesitating, non-committal position of others. 2. Some of our brethren who were in favor of organization, who were the supporters and best friends of the cause, have become much discouraged as they have seen that the course of several of our preachers has strengthened the hands of rebellion against order, the gifts, and systematic benevolence. Had our preachers all struck unitedly for organization at the first, this rebellion could then have been put down at once; but in Ohio it increased so rapidly as to soon wreck the cause in that State, and leave only the hope that some will make a timely escape. In Pennsylvania and southern New York, it grew with fearful results. The brethren voted down organization, and sent us a report of their doings for publication.— Review and Herald, Vol. XX, page 140, Sept.30, 1862.

From these statements it is evident that very few of our people have any adequate idea of what it cost the pioneers of this cause to establish the plan of organization that has proved such a factor in promoting union, order, and co-operation among us. Sister E. G. White, who also had an active part in that work, has written of it as follows:

It is nearly forty years since organization was introduced among us as a people. I was one of the number who had an experience in establishing it from the first. I know of the difficulties that had to be met, the evils it was designed to correct; and I have watched its influence in connection with the growth of the cause. — General Conference Bulletin, Jan. 29, 1892.

Let none entertain the thought, however, that we can dispense with organization. It has cost us much study, and many prayers for wisdom, that we know God has answered, to effect this structure. It has been built up by his direction through much sacrifice and conflict. — General Conference Bulletin, Jan. 29and 30, 1893.

In presenting this phase of the history of organization as it is related to our cause, it should be made very plain that the opposition the most of our people felt toward organization did not spring from either lawlessness or insubordination. They held conscientious convictions regarding the matter. Anything approaching organization in religious or spiritual affairs alarmed them, for they believed this would result in spiritual declension and unholy alliances with the world. This was the view they had held while connected with the special movement of the first angel's message, and many still firmly and conscientiously maintained it.

#5

The opposition our people felt to organization was dealt with fairly. It was not arrogantly silenced by a large majority, nor overridden by the dominating power of a minority. The whole question of organization received careful, serious study, and free, full, and open discussion. This resulted in convincing the large majority of our people that instead of being the evil, dangerous thing it had been represented to be, organization was a wise and necessary provision given by the Lord for the welfare of his cause in the earth.

More or less of the discussion of this question was carried on in the columns of the REVIEW. Some who were opposed to organization made use of the paper to give their reasons for their opposition, and also to make suggestions as to how to manage the affairs of the cause without organization. Those who believed that organization was necessary gave their reasons for the position they held. It is mainly from the articles that appeared in the REVIEW on this question that we are able to trace the history of this phase of our cause prior to the time organization was effected.

The first response made to Elder White's call for organization came from our esteemed brother, Elder J. N. Loughborough. This response was prompt, definite, and positive, and was decidedly in favor of organization. It appeared in the second number of the paper printed after the call for organization was made. After giving the situation a careful review, Brother Loughborough said: “I am in favor of organizing by law, that we may be able to hold and legally protect our church property."

During the forty-six years that have since passed, our brother has been a firm, consistent advocate of gospel organization, and has practiced what he has advocated. And who could reasonably ask for greater liberty than he has enjoyed while adhering to the details of our denominational organization?

The next response to the call for organization came from one of the associate editors of the REVIEW. His position was expressed as follows: —

Brother White has asked the brethren to speak in relation to his proposition to secure the property of the church. I do not know precisely what measure he intends in his suggestion, but understand it is to get incorporated as a religious body according to law. For myself I think it would be wrong to "make a name," since that lies at the foundation of Babylon. I do not think that God would approve of it. ...

Brother White asks for suggestions for a better plan. He has already proposed that the books should be sent out into different States. This I think would be well. Let them be distributed around for safe keeping, and for convenience. I would take one hundred dollars' worth, and many others in the wide field would do the same. Then the office with what remains, after those engaged therein have performed their duty faithfully, can be safely trusted in the hands of Him who owns the whole.

Those that lend money to the office, lend it to the Lord, and they must trust the Lord for it. If he sees fit to let them lose it here, if they are faithful he will repay them hereafter. He will not fail. He has no lack of means. And he will do what is best for those that trust in him.— Review and Herald, Vol. XV, page 140, March 22, 1860.

In the same article this writer reviews Elder Loughborough's article, in the course of which he says: —

We can trust each other, thank the Lord! and if any man proves a Judas, we can still bear the loss and trust the Lord. . . .

The responsibility of the office debts and liabilities ought not, and in my estimation, does not, rest upon Brother White. I am glad he has spoken upon this point. If any have means in the office that they are unwilling to trust to the Lord and his people as a body, without making any individual or individuals responsible for the same, I hope they will withdraw it. The church can raise the amount and pay them off. There may be those that need what they have lent to the office. Such certainly should be paid.— Id, page 141.

The main reason here given against organizing is that in doing so they would be obliged to take a name by which to be known, and in doing this they would become a part of Babylon.

The suggestion made for storing and safe-guarding the books from the time they were printed until they were sold was that they be distributed in lots of one hundred dollars' worth among the homes of the brethren and sisters in the different States, to be held until called for. Such a suggestion shows how very limited and unbusinesslike were the views of some at least regarding the great and important place the publishing work was to occupy in this cause.

As to the debts of the publishing house, the writer believed that these should not rest upon any specific person or persons, but upon all the believers generally, and that all who were not willing to trust the Lord and this unnamed body of believers would better keep their money in their own care.

The brother who took this position against organization was one of the editors of the REVIEW, and a very conscientious and influential minister in the Eastern States, where the majority of our people lived. His public opposition had the effect of confirming many in their anti-organization views.

Elder White replied to this statement in an article filling seven columns of the REVIEW. By this time the question was before the people in real earnest, and it never ceased to be studied and discussed until the great majority of our people recognized the necessity of organization, and applied it to churches, conferences, and institutions.

Next: A Call to Meet