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Lessons from Past Experiences

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 24, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 43.

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Lessons from Past Experiences

By Geo. O. States

— No. 21

GEO. O. STATES
ELDER BUTLER remained president of the Iowa Conference several years. The workers took the field; and in almost every place they visited, they preached a sermon on the subject of spiritual gifts. It was not long before Iowa became one of the best conferences in the United States.
Every member who stayed with the denomination was strong on the Testimonies, and there was a sentiment all through that conference that those who did not have faith in the spirit of prophecy did not believe in the third angel’s message. Soon the Iowa Conference had three times as many members as it had when the trouble arose over organization. Many of our strongest ministers have developed in the Iowa Conference.
These things were taken up by all our conferences, and our loyal ministers labored faithfully among the churches, preaching on the gifts. Some who did not believe the whole message dropped out and joined in opposing some points of the truth. These experiences were repeated all through our ranks, but of late years there has been a time of comparative peace, and many have embraced the truth who know little or nothing of our history and the opposition of earlier years on the matter of organization.
There is great need that our ministers study the subject of spiritual gifts and the wonderful work God has done through Sister White, and present these things to our people as they go from church to church. I know there is a hard struggle before this people on that question, and doubtless many will be sifted out; but our ministers should stand firm, unmovable, and united, and then the rank and file will stand in line. Since this series of articles has been coming out in the REVIEW, I have been astonished at the numerous letters I have received from all parts of the United States, and even Canada, urging me to continue them, and telling how much good had been received by reading them. Of all the letters that have come to me, I can not recall more than two or three that opposed what had been said in favor of the Testimonies. I have received numerous letters from brethren and sisters who have grown old in the truth, and whose hands trembled so they could hardly hold the pen, but they were rejoicing in the whole truth.
I would have been glad to answer these letters, but my health has been such for over three years that I could do very little mental work. I believe, however, that if faithful just a few years, we shall be permitted to become acquainted in the new earth, and all these struggles will be in the past.
As we have read from week to week the editor’s letters, and those of our other brethren who have been traveling in foreign fields, it inspires faith in the rapidity with which the message is going. The truth is rapidly encircling the earth, and is swelling into the loud cry.
My prayer is that the Lord may wonderfully bless our brethren of the General Conference Committee, and that plans may be laid that will hasten the work in all parts of the earth.
Cedaredge, Colo.