Submission to Church Order
By H. W. Lawrence
Bro. White :—I am anxious to exhort all believers in "present truth" to love correction and to be willing to submit to the same, even before we fully appreciate the manner in which it comes, as in so doing we esteem others better than ourselves, and crucify our own inclinations to follow our own preferences. I now believe that what would be right for an apostle or evangelist to do in harmony with such offices, would be wrong for deacons and those called to take no oversight of the flock to perform. Not discovering the above distinction to be marked in the Bible as a part of God's order, I once held all on a common level and was led to wonder why all could not be permitted to do what others did and be justified in the same. But this difficulty is removed. I feel that I can harmonize with the body on all points with much more safety, than to follow my own feelings when they do not harmonize with the discernment God gives the remnant church. I hope all independent minds will consider well what the Lord's order is relative to the unity and gifts of the church before objecting to that kind of restriction now hoped for among all the church of Seventh-day Adventists. For one I feel tested on the above sentiments and mean to submit without often saying "Who made thee a ruler and judge" to those called to lead in the work of unity now being accomplished by the third angel's message. H. W. Lawrence.
West Bangor, N. Y.