UNITY by Roswell F. Cottrell

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · April 1, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 14

UNITY

By Roswell F. Cottrell

BY ELD. R. F. COTTRELL.

The article on the Unity of the Church, in the REVIEW of Feb. 19, first page, should be read with great care, especially by those of but short experience in the cause of God. The unity of believers is of first importance; and to secure it there must be a yielding spirit. “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility.” 1 Pet. 5:5.

It is hard for some to learn that the independent, selfish spirit of infidels and worldlings must be given up. We hear them say of a brother or a sister, If they do so and so, or if they don't do so and so, I will do so and so. Thus they are ready to begin a petty quarrel on the least provocation. We do not so learn Christ.

Some, having become disgusted with the church to which they belonged before embracing the present truth, feel free to take positive ground that they will never unite with any church. Such a one does not understand the obligation to submit to God and his people.

The religion of Christ is intended to take this selfish willfulness out of us; so that we shall not say positively, I will do this, or I will not do that, but, “If the Lord will,” or “If it be in agreement with the will of the Lord, I shall take such a course.” A true-hearted disciple will consult with his brethren, especially those older in the faith, to learn the right course to be pursued, submitting his judgment to theirs. And let that one who professes faith in the truth, but has determined not to unite with the church which is keeping the commandments of God, and has taught him the truth, search his own heart for the motive which prompts to such a course. Perhaps it may be discovered that it is because of selfishness that he determines not to unite with a people who hold that God’s cause is first of all, demanding ourselves, our means, our all, for its advancement. Is it to avoid paying the Lord his tenth of all he so bountifully gives?