UNION AND SYSTEM by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 23, 1878

UNION AND SYSTEM.

By R. F. Cottrell

In union is strength. This saying has been often repeated, and it is still true as ever. Christ prayed that his disciples might be one, as he and the Father are one. Numerous are the exhortations of the apostles to unity. Here is one of them: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Who can express a more perfect unity? For this state of unity we should devoutly and zealously labor. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

We believe from prophecy and apostolic teaching, that the church, long torn by apostasy and factions, will come again to unity of faith and practice, so that all that remain alive to be translated without death at the coming of the Lord, will be found united in these long downtrodden truths: “The commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Are we going in that direction and nearing that point? In order to attain to this position, there must be a yielding. “Submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of God.” Independent and unyielding spirits will never come into that unity.

Unity of faith will lead to unity of action. To the laborer, the business man, or the student, system is of great utility. Especially where many act together, system is absolutely necessary to give success. A system has been devised to work for the spread of the truth among men,—a system for raising means, and for tract and missionary work,—so that all can work in harmony, and thus doing produce the greatest amount of good.

All should be united to support and carry out this system. All should work, and all should report for mutual encouragement; and especially should all the officers support the system by doing business correctly according to the system. Let all the business be done in the proper manner and through the proper channel.

The importance of unity and system cannot be overestimated. What could the greatest army do where these were lacking, and every man directed his own movements and fought upon his own hook? How could manufacturing be carried on, or any work be successfully done, where many hands are employed, unless each man knew his place and the part that he should do?

Should not the children of light be as wise as the children of the world? Should we not use in the work of the Lord as much reason, skill, and energy as we do in the things of this world? But are we doing it? If not, where are our heart’s affections and our treasure? Angels weigh our thoughts. Shall we not weigh them?

There is a great work to be done in warning the world, and the time is short. Every time we repeat this, it is still shorter. How can we do the work assigned us, but by unity and system? If any can devise a better system, let us hear from them. If not, let all unite in carrying out the one we have. And let us work while the day lasts.

We have reason to rejoice for what God is doing by his providence and Spirit. The way is open for all to work. The harvest is ready to be gathered; but where are the reapers? Let all determine to do in this best of causes. Those who do to the utmost of their ability will not regret it. “He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” The laborer will not fail of a reward in the kingdom of Heaven. R. F. COTTRELL.