Our Roots, Pt. 8

Organization—No. 6 (Review and Herald, March 7, 1907)

When the discussion of the subject of organization had been fully opened in the REVIEW, prominent ministers availed themselves of that opportunity to tell of the growing confusion that existed, and the perplexing difficulties that were arising, owing to the absence of organization.

And some grew bold enough to tell that their views of the question were being changed by the discussion the subject was receiving. The following frank statement from Elder M. E. Cornell describes the general situation as it then existed: —

My mind has been for years decided that taking a name, or in any way leaning on the laws of the land, was wrong. I supposed that it was fatal to receive religious benefit from any law provisions whatever. But within the last week my mind has been changed. When I consider the subject more fully and without prejudice, it has a different aspect entirely. And I must confess that I have several times felt embarrassed because of the lack of order and organization in regard to financial matters. I have been perplexed to know what advice to give in regard to building houses of worship; how they should be built and held in trust so as to prevent confusion and trouble. Houses of worship are a growing necessity, but many are so fearful that they will get into Babylon that they dare not move in the matter, and we are often so perplexed that there is really a Babylon existing in our own minds. This embarrassment has become so general that no doubt all can agree in this, that something must be done.

Again: there are those who wish to secure their property to the cause of truth, by will or bequest, in a legal way, but they can not do it because we have no denominational name, and hence can not be known in law. At present I can not see what evil can grow out of God's people taking a distinctive name by which they may be known from all others. I can not find any scripture that would forbid all the remnant being called by one name, but the warning of Scripture is against divisions among them. . . .

To have a name significant of a spiritual life and at the same time be dead is, of course, inconsistent; but to have an appropriate name for the Advent, commandment-keeping, Laodicean, remnant people, I now believe to be a matter of propriety and necessity.

I wish to admit the necessity of complete organization to supply the demands of the cause as far as the laws of God and men will permit. I can not say that 1 have the clear light to suggest “a plan on which we as a people can act," but I feel that it is an important matter, and one that demands the prayer of faith for wisdom. When I consider how much Brother White has suffered from the lack of legal system in the business department of the work, I think his testimony is none too pointed. The necessity exists, and should be mutually realized and acknowledged. — Review and Herald, Vol. XVI, pages 8, 9, May 29, 1860.

At the time Elder Cornell wrote that article, he was one of the most active and successful evangelists in the cause. He was well qualified to state the conditions then existing. His statement throws a flood of light on the situation they were facing. He said they were "embarrassed because of a lack of order and organization;" "perplexed to know what advice to give in regard to building houses of worship," and "how they should be built and held in trust so as to prevent confusion and trouble." "Many," he said, "are so fearful that they will get into Babylon . . . that there is really a Babylon existing. in our minds." "This embarrassment has become so general that . . . something must be done." "Those who wish to secure their property to the cause of truth by will or bequest . . . can not do it because we have no denominational name, and hence can not be known in law."

It is not surprising that in closing his article, Elder Cornell said: "I wish to admit the necessity of complete organization to supply the demands of the cause." If such was the state of perplexity, confusion, and embarrassment without organization at that time, when there were only twenty-five or thirty ministers and workers, only four or five thousand believers, but one small printing plant, no schools, no sanitariums, and the work confined to the narrow limits east of the Missouri River, what would be our condition now without the efficient, far-reaching system of order and organization under which we are carrying forward this many-sided, world-wide movement?

As the discussion of this subject continued in the REVIEW, and among the people in the different States, the call for organization grew more definite and positive in all parts of the field. It was plainly evident that many of our people were changing their views. This encouraged Elder White, who wrote as follows : —

We are happy to say that the discussion of this subject is evidently coming to a close with good results. As far as we can learn, there is a general feeling that something should be done in the line of legal organization, and those who at first started back at the idea, are seriously pondering the necessity of it.—Id., page 20.

In view of the agitation of this question and the growing sentiment in favor of organization, Elder J. N. Andrews proposed that a general council be called for the purpose of giving the subject of organization careful, thorough study with the view of reaching correct and harmonious conclusions. The following is the suggestion he published: —

How shall we manage relative to the legal holding of the office? I would suggest with all respect to the feelings and opinions of others, that no step be taken until we first have a general gathering from all parts of the country, and a prayerful consultation relative to the right course. I believe that in this way we could act in unison, and what is still better, act just right.

I have confidence in Brother White's integrity of purpose in bringing this subject before the brethren. It also seems to me that he is clearly right in asking that something be done. I hope therefore that those who may think that some dangerous step is about to be taken, will pray with their whole hearts that God will be pleased to avert all evil and guide us aright. Meanwhile I would express the hope that we may be able to adopt so simple and proper an arrangement that it will be open to no reasonable objection.— Id, page 108, Aug. 21, 1860.

This was the first proposal ever made by our pioneers to hold a general council in the interests of organization. It was made by one of the most careful, cautious men numbered among the leaders of this cause. It met with hearty approval, and a general meeting was immediately called to convene in Battle Creek, Sept. 28, 1860.

Next: The Council