ORGANIZATION by John Nevins Andrews

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 17, 1861

ORGANIZATION.

By John Nevins Andrews

THE Review for August 27 has just come to hand, and from it I learn with deep regret that the silence of myself and others on this subject has been a cause of grief to some, and an occasion of stumbling to others. I know not what to say, except that I am most sincerely sorry for the evil which I have occasioned. I am sensible that I have not wisdom to propose a plan of action, and it has been my hope that the brethren chosen for this purpose at the last conference at Battle Creek would present through the Review a well matured plan for the action of the church. So far as I know in this western country the brethren are waiting for such a plan. For myself I would say that it is doubtless essential to the well-being of every church that they be set in order by the selection of such officers as the New Testament brings to view; and wherever meeting-houses are owned, that there such legal organization should exist as will enable the brethren to hold their places of worship.

I am also decidedly in favor of concerted action, and hence would heartily approve of the regular monthly meetings of as many churches as can thus come together; and of State conferences to assemble annually, or semi-annually, that the united strength of the people of God may be brought to bear upon the work that is to be done. I have confidence to believe that this work is under the superintendence of the Most High, and that in answer to the united prayer of his people he will guide it in the right channel. I desire to express my hearty approbation of Bro. White's reply to Bro. Phelps, and I trust that Bro. P. will yet feel that the Seventh-day Adventists are his brethren and fellow-laborers.

J. N. ANDREWS. Cleveland, Le Seur Co., Minn., Sept. 9, 1861.