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Writings of EGW in the Church Manual
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| Parts of this text appears in the church manual (17th edition) in two sections |
| Section: Organization Founded on Divine Principles - page 21 The part in bold blue is what appears in the Church Manual Section: Divine Purpose in Organization - page 23 The part in bold dark red is what appears in the Church Manual |
The Introduction of Church Order
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As our numbers increased, it was evident that without some form of organization there would be great confusion, and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable. {TM 26.2} |
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Yet there was strong feeling against it among our people. The first-day Adventists [see Appendix] were opposed to organization, and most of the Seventh-day Adventists entertained the same ideas. We sought the Lord with earnest prayer that we might understand His will, and light was given by His Spirit that there must be order and thorough discipline in the church--that organization was essential. System and order are manifest in all the works of God throughout the universe. Order is the law of heaven, and it should be the law of God's people on the earth. { p. 3 } |
| We had a hard struggle in establishing organization. Notwithstanding that the Lord gave testimony after testimony upon this point, the opposition was strong, and it had to be met again and again. But we knew that the Lord God of Israel was leading us, and guiding by His providence. We engaged in the work of organization, and marked prosperity attended this advance movement. {TM 26.4} |
| As the development of the work called upon us to engage in new enterprises, we were prepared to enter upon them. The Lord directed our minds to the importance of the educational work. We saw the need of schools, that our children might receive instruction free from the errors of false philosophy, that their training might be in harmony with the principles of the word of God. The need of a health institution had been urged upon us, both for the help and instruction of our own people and as a means of blessing and enlightenment to others. This enterprise also was carried forward. All this was missionary work of the highest order. {TM 27.1} |
| Note: The text on top also appears in Christian Leadership, page 1; RH, Oct. 12, 1906; CET, page 193; LDE, page 46 |
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