Church Organization and Christian Unity
By Hiram Edson
DEAR BRO. AND SR. WHITE: I have been thinking for some time of writing to you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along. We still hold in very grateful remembrance your friendly visit with us, the precious seasons we enjoyed with you around the family altar, and also in the public congregation. We know your prayers availed much in our behalf. My physical strength has improved considerably since you were here, though I have had some slight relapses, one rather serious of late; but from this I am now mostly recovered. I am trying to lean upon the arm of the Lord, and to believe that he will lift me up. I believe the Lord will yet visit us in mercy. The manifestation given through the gift of the Spirit, while you were here, has been a source of comfort and encouragement to us. We hope to profit by it. I am looking for, and expect, my strength to increase, though it be but slow. If we come into mind in your seasons of prayer, still pray for us. I was glad to learn from the Review that union existed on the subject of organization in your general conference. The manner of organizing churches as proposed and adopted seems to me unobjectionable. I am rejoiced to see this work begin to move forward. It looks a little more like coming into the unity of the faith. There must be order in the church or house of God; and how can order be established or exist independent of organization. Have we not tried anti-organization, until we have confusion, Babel, Babylon, enough? And shall we still refuse to be shown the more excellent way? I have felt no risings against organization from its first suggestion among us, but have ever spoken in favor of it. Perhaps I ought to have spoken more publicly, but I have looked for others of more leading influence to move out, considering mine to be of little service; yet I suppose our mite should be cast into the right scale. If I have erred here, pardon. Yours as ever, in hope, though wading through deep waters.
HIRAM EDSON.
Palermo, N. Y.