Church Organization and Publishing
Bro. O. Davis writes from North Fairhaven, Mass., Mar. 9th, 1856:—"I feel glad that steps are being taken to place the publishing of books and tracts in the hands of a committee of the church; not however intending by this expression, to cast any reflection on the course of those who have through much labor and trial brought the work thus far; but to express my satisfaction that the church has arrived to that state of organization when the work can be carried on through a more general effort. I have ever thought that a church system should be as perfect as any other, and must believe that it will be so if the instructions of its great Head are strictly followed. How careful was God to bring his church under Moses to a state of order and discipline! And then again when the time came for that system of government to end, how careful to introduce another! Surely God is not the author of confusion and disorder: even as the Apostle says, If all were the eye, where were the seeing, &c. "I have often thought that I would like to be a member of that church that should be organized under the rules and instructions of God’s word, and led by the Holy Spirit, which Jesus said should lead into all truth. I have been much comforted and strengthened of late in reading the 15th chapter of John. Truly, will not God keep us if we abide in the vine? And O may we so walk as to be indeed living branches of the true vine. And to those of you who hold responsible situations in the church, may God give wisdom and grace for the discharge of your duties to the glory of his name."