Prophecy, Benevolence, and Gospel Order
Bro. C. Woodman writes from North Leeds, Me.:
"I would just say that my heart is still in sympathy with the Seventh-day Adventist church, and the means that are used for the advancement of the cause of present truth. I also have confidence in those whom I believe God has placed at the head of this work. While we are exhorted to despise not prophesyings, it is evident that we should not despise those who prophesy, unless we can show that their predictions are contrary to the word, or unreasonable in themselves. Again Paul says, I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesy. 1 Cor. xiv, 1. Thus we see Paul expresses a preference for prophesyings; therefore let us not despise them to our peril. I heartily approve of the plan of systematic benevolence; am glad to learn that 'it works well,' which is the best evidence of the merits or utility of any system or machine in the world. It seems that God is blessing the efforts of his people to come into gospel order. There is a heavenly beauty in the words, 'system and order,' as adopted by the remnant church in these last days. God spake in the beginning and brought order out of confusion, system out of chaos. May the Lord help unworthy me to submit to perfect discipline."