“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4
“The church may pass resolution upon resolution to put down all disagreement of opinions, but we cannot force the mind and will and thus root out disagreement. These resolutions may conceal the discord, but they cannot quench it and establish a perfect agreement. Nothing can perfect a perfect unity in the church. Satan can sow discord; Christ alone can harmonize the disagreeing elements. Then let every soul sit down in Christ’s school and learn of Christ, who declares Himself to be meek and lowly of heart.” When you as individual members of the church love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself, then there will be no labored efforts to be in unity. There will be a oneness in Christ. The ears to reports will be closed, and no one will take up a reproach against his neighbor. The members of the church will cherish love and unity and be as one great family. Then we shall bear the credentials to the world that will testify that God has sent His Son into the world.” Letter 29, 1889, par. 16-18.”
“We are only selfishly wise when we plan for the future, and make resolutions and bring them in, and we ourselves arrange matters, as we think in all wisdom; for in so doing we are in danger of getting in the way of the Lord. Stand out of the way with your many resolutions, and when the time comes for God to bring his people into trying places to test and prove them, he will help them, and he will not fail or be discouraged, but will be a present help in trouble. Review and Herald, April 15, 1890, par. 5.”
Consider A Few Case Histories
• The Early Church
The Early Church’s attainment of perfect unity brought a great downpouring of the Holy Spirit. How did they come into that perfect unity? What was the result?”
Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV) “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. “
• The Howland Reconciliation Story.
How was unity brought about in this story? What are other ways a person might reach out to an offended brother or sister—for example writing a letter? How quickly should forgiveness be extended?
“In the early days of the church, a small company of believers met for worship in the large kitchen of Brother Stockbridge Howland in Topsam, Maine. One morning Brother Howland was initially absent. Soon, however, he entered, his face glowing with the glory of God. “Brethren,” he said, “I have found it. I have found that we can pursue a course of action regarding which the guarantee of God’s word is: ‘Ye shall never fall.’ I am going to tell you about it.”He shared how he had noticed that one brother, a poor fisherman, had been feeling less respected in comparison to the other men, and therefore was absenting himself from the gatherings. Concerned, Brother Howland went to find him. Soon he was kneeling before the brother, saying, “My brother, forgive me. What is it that I have done?” The man took him by the arm and tried to raise him to his feet. “No,” said Brother Howland, “what have you against me?” “I have nothing against “you.” “But you must have,” said Brother Howland, “because once we could speak to one another, but now you do not speak to me at all, and I want to know what is the matter.” “Get up, Brother Howland,” he said. “No,” said Brother Howland, “I will not.” “Then I must get down,” he said, and he fell on his knees, and confessed how childish he had been and how many evil surmisings he had cherished. “And now,” he said, “I will put them all away.” Counsels to the Church, 289.6. It wasn’t too long before the previously absent fisherman brother entered and happily engaged in the time of spiritual refreshing.”
• Unity Between Different Nationalities.
Read the following and consider why God directed that there should be perfect unity between all the people of the world, regardless of color, caste or nationality. What benefits come as a result of blending the various groups?”
While Ellen White was working in Europe a proposal was made to organize the church into separate national conferences—for example, the conferences of France and Italy would be established as separate entities. She told the brother making the proposal that such a plan was contrary to the light given her: “I told Brother Daniel that this would not be in accordance with God’s will.” Continuing to quote, “He pleaded that it would be better for the French that they should not unite with the Swiss Conference, for they were independent and naturally jealous; and if pressed to rules or order, there would be revolutionary feelings. I told him these were the strong reasons that I would urge why they should unite with the Swiss Conference (Emphasis added), and their interests be blended together, and they should not take on an independent spirit, but as followers of Christ be subject one to another. This is the very means that God has ordained that one shall have influence over another, and all be transformed and molded after the divine Pattern, that all the believers in Christ are to be sanctified through the truth. Letter 23, 1885, par. 30. The truth is one. It will take people from France and Italy and, mingling them with other elements, soften and refine them through the truth. Teach them that in humility and union there is strength. The love of Christ and living faith would have a transforming power upon the ideas of the man, and upon the man, and upon the character. ... God’s purpose is to bring all into harmony and unity on the platform of truth as it is in Jesus. There are to be no separate interests formed or maintained by the believers in present truth.” Letter 23, 1885, par. 31.”
• James White Seeking Broad Support.
Ellen and James White followed a lengthy process in making decisions at times. To what degree would this kind of process bring and maintain unity to the local church and beyond?“I have been having a talk with Elder Cottrell, Elder Haskell, and Elder Burden. I have tried to describe to them the council meetings we used to have, for they did not seem to understand about the five men. When “important decisions were to be made, special pains were taken to have our plans first with five, then with eleven, then with twenty, before bringing before the whole meeting plans we wished to carry. I told them, W. C. White, how your father managed. No abrupt propositions were made before the five men, who were of quick understanding, were made acquainted with everything that your father designed to bring before the people. We had special seasons of prayer with the five, then carefully explained how we wished to have certain things without a dissenting voice. After most earnest prayer, propositions were made regarding the matter in question. Manuscript 158, 1907, par. 1. Your father made everything straight and plain, and the five were made acquainted with what they hoped to do in regard to carrying the message and how it should be presented, and then they prayed earnestly for the Lord to impress their own hearts individually. After prayer a hymn was sung, and there was shaking hands, and all seemed to be blessed. Then these men were taken into counsel, and next a larger number ... and all the plans were carefully explained and how the matters were to be. Then by vote twenty more were selected, all the explanations were given, [and it was stated], “Now if you all feel perfectly free to vote for these things to be done, rise to your feet.” Then there was another praying season, and the Spirit of the Lord was present. We felt that pledge of union in action was essential. ... All united in perfect harmony, pledging themselves to exert their individual capabilities to work to the point that everything should be carried in our camp-meetings and in all essential meetings with unity and love and with the glory of God in view.” Manuscript 158, 1907, par. 2.”
• Unity And Resolutions.
“There was a time when Sabbath keepers living in the south were in danger of being prosecuted for laboring on Sunday. Some of the brethren were desiring the General Conference to pass a resolution advising all members to refrain from labor on that day. Ellen White opposed such a resolution and wrote a lengthy manuscript cautioning the passing of general resolution and opposing the resolution on the Sunday question in particular. Her justification included the (1) need to handle such things privately, (2) fear that such decisions might not have God’s approval and would unnecessarily bind up the work, the (3) wisdom of allowing individual conferences/states to make decisions appropriate to their situation, (4) respecting the individual responsibility of the soul before God, and (5) leave room for God to work, choosing to not lift burdens where they had been imposed, and not placing burdens where they had not been imposed. Here are some key thoughts:
“There have arisen in our [General] Conference questions that need to have careful attention, whether the Sabbathkeepers in the Southern States, where they are liable to feel the oppressive power of their State laws if they labor on Sunday, shall rest on Sunday to avoid the persecution which must come if they do any labor. ... Such resolutions should not be placed before this conference, requiring their action.” Manuscripts 6 1889 par. 1. ... I am afraid of these many resolutions.”
Some resolutions were urged, by young, inexperienced ones, that never should have received the consent of the conference. Human traditions, and permits and non-permits, have been of a character that would have bound them about with restrictions that were wholly unnecessary, out of God’s order, and that would have created a condition of things that would have been detrimental to the progress of the work.” Manuscripts 6, 1899 par. 4 ... All minor matters should be settled in the state conferences. ... The question that has been before the conference, whether the brethren where oppressive laws exist should be advised not to work on Sunday, is not a question to be brought before an open conference. It could not be voted upon without misunderstanding and mismoves and bad results.” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par. 8 ... If the decision is made that our people shall not labor on Sunday and that our brethren in the Southern States shall appear to harmonize with the Sunday law, because of oppression, how long before all over the world [our people] shall be in like circumstances as they are in the South?” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par. 16. Let there be no unnecessary act of arousing the combative spirit or passions of opponents. There is a self-deluded enthusiasm in this, bringing in an elevation of Sunday that it will be difficult to handle.” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par. 17. Should resolutions be passed that, because of the trials and inconveniences that arise because of our faith, such ones should cease their labor on Sunday, bowing to the idol sabbath, will it give those who do this vigorous, spiritual sinew and muscle, or will they grow into cowards and be swept away with the delusions of these last days? Leave these precious souls to God’s dictation.” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par. 21. ... [If] “the enactment of laws of the state shall compel Sunday observance, God would certainly be dishonored should the resolution be passed that, because of inconveniences and loss of property, imprisonment and fines, all must obey these laws. And the lesson given to those who need better advice shall be of a character to open the way and make it easy for souls to be carried away with the bold, swift current of evil. ... Shall the overseers of the flock work with the great deceiver to make apostasy from God easy?” Manuscripts 6 1889 par. 23.
“Let not anyone make any proud boast, either by precept or example to show that he is defying the laws of the land. Make no resolutions as to what persons in different states may do or may not do. Let nothing be done to lessen individual responsibility. To their God they must stand or fall. Let none feel it his duty to make speeches in the presence of our own people, or of our enemies, that will arouse their combativeness and they take your words and construe them in such a way that you are charged with being rebellious to the government, for this will close the door of access to the people.” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par. 29. ... Do not, in this critical time, mark out ways for God’s people, for how do you know what God designs to do with and for His people?” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par. 32. ... We say to our brethren, Do not for Christ’s sake get in the place of God before the people. Enough of this kind of work has been done. Let God work human minds. Do not hinder the workings of God for His people in this important period of time when tremendous interests are being enacted among God’s people.
Do not in your human wisdom fix up things too much bearing the human imprint. Leave God something to do. Let the hand of God appear in molding and fashioning men’s minds and character, and let man walk softly and humbly with God. Lift no burdens from God’s people that He would have them to bear. Jesus bore the cruel cross to Calvary. Do not cast burdens upon any class that He would have them released from.” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par.45. Satan’s work is constantly to perplex, to mix up things, to confuse, to get things into a tangle that is hard to straighten out. It is not a desirable job to be engaged in, to take the work out of God’s hands into your own finite arms. It is best for all parties concerned to leave the people of God in God’s hands for Him to impress and teach and guide their consciences. It is not safe for any one to attempt to be conscience for God’s people.” Manuscripts 6, 1889 par.46.”
• Disunity Hindered Evangelistic Efforts.
This story, described in Letter 98, 1902, reveals God’s inability to bless when a church is divided. What do you learn about the quest for unity from the experience of the Early Church on the Day of Pentecost for this situation?On July 8, 1902 Ellen White wrote a letter to the churches and companies that were doing evangelistic work in the city. Referencing the desire of church members to command rather than serve, she shared how their lack of harmony was greatly dishonoring God, and precluding God’s ability to use them to reach the people in New York City.
“By your failure to work in harmony, you are greatly dishonoring God. The enemy of your souls delights to see you working at cross purposes with one another. You need to cultivate brotherly love and tenderness of heart. If you could draw aside the curtain veiling the future, and see the result of your present course of action, you would surely be led to repent. By repentance you can save yourselves much sorrow. Letter 98, 1902, par. 7. The Holy Spirit cannot be revealed to the church members in Greater New York while dissension and strife exist. ... Letter 98, 1902, par. 9.”
“If you would unitedly put away your peculiar hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and work together, the Lord could work through you. But souls will not be convicted and converted until you come into unity and Christian fellowship. Lose sight of self. Keep your eyes fixed upon the Redeemer.” Letter 98, 1902, par. 10.
• Responding To Injustice.
Ellen White’s second son, Edson, who was out of the church for several decades and only returned to the fold at the age of 44, felt led to develop an evangelistic endeavor for the poor unreached black community in the South as a result of reading his mother’s “Our Duty to the Colored People.” His efforts included building the Morning Star, a river boat that served as a mobile church and school evangelizing along the Mississippi river, over time started and supported fifty mission schools, and published at least six books. Though Ellen White was a strong supporter of his work, others were less supportive and accordingly treated Edson unjustly at times, including having money raised for his mission reappropriated for other purposes, and having another book published instead of his. She agreed that he had been treated unjustly, but she still counseled him to avoid stirring up strife. Learn from the following paragraphs how to handle situations of injustice.”
In 1899 she wrote: “Words spoken hastily wound and bruise souls, and the deepest wound is made upon the soul of the speaker.” Letter 117, 1899.18.
“Any unpleasant spirit displayed is sure to arouse the demon of passion in unguarded hearts. ... My son, avoid speaking words which will stir up strife. Rather suffer wrong than do wrong.” Letter 117, 1899.21.
In 1901 Mrs. White wrote:
“No issues are to be forced.” Letter 54, 1901.2.
“God desires us to understand that we are never to try to rule or to seek for the supremacy. Active humility and true goodness are to be constantly cherished. ... My son, do not manifest a dictatorial spirit. Work with “with an eye single to the glory of God. Whatever may come into your experience, remember that the heavenly Father knows all things, and that He will set things in order if we are not in too great haste.” Letter 54, 1901.7.
“There is now to be no swaying of things in wrong lines. All are to work in perfect harmony. Unify, unify is the word from heaven.” Letter 54, 1901.13.
“My son, do not attempt to do great things in your own strength. Counsel with your brethren. If you do not do this, it will often be said of you, He is determined to have his own way. You will be misunderstood. Leave with God the wrongs which you think exist. Be easily entreated, and be not easily provoked. Do not speak angry words because of something you have heard. This hurts your influence.” Letter 54, 1901.15.
“Learn to look upon things which do not appear straightforward without being made unhappy and wretched. We must learn to suffer annoyances from others without becoming irritated. Try to meet disappointment and hindrance without taking it so much to heart. Let not God be dishonored by a single murmur from your lips.” Letter 54, 1901.16.
“Let the words on your lips be pleasant words. Censure no one. Educate yourself to excuse and pity all who make mistakes.” Letter 54, 1901.19.
In the 1901 manuscript 129, she wrote:
“I wish you to have no murmuring. I wish you, my son, to cast no reflection upon the men at the head of responsibilities in Battle Creek, although guilt has rested upon the managers in the past, for it is not your work to do this. If you have words of encouragement to speak, then speak; if not, then keep silent.” Manuscript 129, 1901, par. 10.
“Then let your words be carefully chosen, choice words, clean words, pure words, fraught with Christian sympathy and love. Then you will not bruise souls already smarting under the results of their own course of action, but give strength. Silence is often eloquence.” Manuscript 129, 1901, par. 11.”
“The Lord would have you all forbearing.” Manuscript 129, 1901, par. 13.
“At this time do not write or speak one word of censure or recrimination to any one, notwithstanding it may appear to you they are justly deserved.” Manuscript 129, 1901, par. 17.
“Jesus does not receive glory from any one who is an accuser of the brethren. Let not a day pass that we are not healing and restoring old wounds. Cultivate love, and let no words of evil surmising escape our lips. ... Cut away from our speech all severity; talk sweetly; and hold your confidence in Jesus firmly.” Manuscript 129, 1901, par. 24.
“Then shall we think it becomes us as children of God to be so ready to complain? Certainly we greatly weaken and endanger our souls by so doing. ... Close the door of the ears from hearing complaints. Close the door of the heart that prejudice may not take possession of our souls.” Manuscript 129, 1901, par. 28.
“Never let haughty and accusing words come from any believers against other believers.” Manuscript 129, 1901, par. 30.”
• Signing A Pledge And The Forgotten Revival of 1873.In 1872 James White wrote that the Battle Creek Church, though large, was in an unfortunate condition. The members were poor, absorbed in their daily activities and suffered from spiritual apathy. As a result, important developments such as the establishment of a school were being retarded. There was need of revival. Another issue was Uriah and Harriet Smith’s resistance to Mrs. White’s admonitions. A sense of suspicion hovered over the congregation. The revival began with the Whites holding daily meetings, wherein they shared how God had uplifted their spiritual experiences and brought about a rededication to God. There were strong appeals for the attendees to do likewise. As the meetings continued, the Spirit worked on hearts, confessions were made, attendance grew, and eventually 200 people were said to have participated. The capstone of the revival was the reconciliation of Uriah and Harriet Smith with James and Ellen White, including Harriet publicly confessing her role in agitating on the issue of standards. To formalize the new commitments of the attendees, Uriah Smith drafted a “solemn covenant” in which the members pledged to hold up the hands of those called to lead out in the work—James and Ellen White in particular—and to accept the reproofs sent by God. The document was then placed in a box and attached to the front of the pulpit.—Drawn from Michael Campbell’s “Not my Might nor by Power”, the Forgotten Revival of 1873, Adventist Review, February 26, 2015.”
• Beware Of Modern “Stoning.
Mrs. White had a dream where she saw Dr. Kellogg talking with pastors, making statements arising from his “suspicions and imagination.” All the while he held something that he was hiding in his hand. Then she saw him go into his room where she saw many stones carefully piled on the floor, each one have a name, a report and a number. She spoke of a young man who often instructed her coming and sadly looking at the pile of stones, and asking Dr. Kellogg what he proposed to do with them. “The Doctor looked up with a sharp, gratified laugh. “These are mistakes of Elder White.”
I am going to stone him with them, stone him to death.” The young man said, “You are bringing back the stoning system, are you? You are worse than the ancient Pharisees. Who gave you this work to do? ... it was not for you to degrade your powers for this kind of work. Satan is an accuser of the brethren.” Manuscript 2, 1880, par. 2. Dr. Kellogg responded, “Elder White is trying to tear us to pieces. He is working against us, and to save our reputation and life, we must work against him. I shall use every stone to the last pebble here upon this floor to kill him. This is only self-defense, a disagreeable necessity.” Manuscript 2, 1880, par. 3. ... “You have a higher calling, a more important work. Leave all such work of gathering stones for the enemies of God’s law. You brethren must love one another, or you are not children of the day, but of darkness.” Manuscript 2, 1880, par. 5. She then spoke of seeing her husband doing the same thing, gathering stones and preparing to use them in stoning Dr. Kellogg. Manuscript 2, 1880, par. 6.
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