COMMUNICATION FROM BRO. BOURDEAU,
By D. T. Bourdeau
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I would say that my heart beats in unison with all the moves that have been made by those who feel the burden and weight of the cause, to establish order in the remnant church. I have ever loved order, and I have endeavored to exert an influence in favor of that organization set forth in the Review. I believe it to be reasonable, and in perfect harmony with the law of God and the principles of the gospel. Every effort that shuts out confusion and hatred, and promotes the well-being of the church, grows out of those principles which are the sum of all moral law; and those who oppose organization commit sin, and are convinced by the law as transgressors. May God help his people to see the exceeding comprehensiveness of his holy law. The measures that are being taken by the church in regard to organization, are to me a strong evidence that we are on the right track, and that God is about to do a great work for his people. I see a striking analogy between the present efforts of God's people, and the measures that were taken by the primitive church. “When the number of the disciples was multiplied,” it became necessary for the primitive church to introduce plans that were not known when the disciples were few in number; and it has become necessary for the remnant church to organize, though organization in its present form was not needful when Sabbath-keepers were few and far between. The early Christians did not overlook reason. On a certain occasion they were dwelling on order, and they thought that it was reasonable to so move that ministers might give themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Read Acts vi. And what was the result? “The word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Verse 7. Some seem to be very anxious to see the work of the Lord prosper; but they oppose the very means that will appoint to each a place and a work in the church, and bring about the loud cry of the third angel. I hope that those who are about to organize will make clean work, and see to it that they are perfectly united with their brethren and sisters. “Grudge not one against another brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth before the door.” James v, 9. Christ knows our works, and he commands us to be zealous and repent. We have something to repent of. We have made a glorious profession; but we have been deficient in the Christian virtues. We must learn to combine meekness with plainness and decision when we labor with our brethren. We must first confess our own sins, and then the Holy Spirit will enlighten our minds, and we shall be prepared to show our brethren their sins. Says Christ, “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” Matt. vii, 5. The trouble with some is that their minds are so befogged in consequence of their own sins, that they cannot see how to get at the faults of others. The eye is a very tender organ, and it would not take a strong blow to put it out. The feelings of our weak brethren are tender; and the most effectual way to get the mote out of our brother's eye is to get much of the gospel eyesalve, and go to our brother with meekness and in tears; and if he is honest his eyes will be anointed, and the mote will fall in tears of gratitude. We need much caution and wisdom in order to manage the subject of organization aright. Members should not be taken into the church promiscuously. We should not lower the standard of holiness to suit the tastes and notions of some. We should exalt the standard, and let the whole-hearted friends of the cause rally around it.