CHURCH TRIALS by S. B. Whitney

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, June 10, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 24

CHURCH TRIALS.

By S. B. Whitney

BY ELD. S. B. WHITNEY.

Church trials are disagreeable things, and not a pleasant subject to write about; but if anything can be said to improve their character, or possibly, in some instances, to remove the necessity for them altogether, it may be well to say it. Having had some experience which we think has been profitable, we are inclined to give others the benefit of it.

Having had occasion, in connection with the organization of churches, to arrange matters of difference between brethren, in one especially perplexing case the following course was pursued: After giving such instruction as the case seemed to demand, in which attention was called to the articles in late REVIEWS from Bro. and Sr. White, pointing out our neglect to follow the directions of the Saviour in cases of trespass, opportunity was given for any to make such acknowledgments as their feelings might dictate. To this several responded. An attempt being made by a good brother to bring in some personal matter for explanation, we asked him to waive it for the present, stating that if it became necessary to introduce such matters it would be done at the proper time. We then requested those who had grievances and had failed to take the proper steps, to correct their mistake as far as possible by now taking those who had grieved them aside and following the Saviour’s rule. This request was complied with, and the results confirmed the wisdom of such a course. It was a little tedious for those who had to wait; but when the parties returned, their eyes red with weeping, but their countenances indicating relief and even joy, we felt that it was time well spent.

I could not but contrast the scene with others that I have witnessed in connection with such matters. There were no humiliating exposures, no efforts at self-justification,—no unkind recriminations,—no strengthening of former prejudices, but, on the contrary, the entire restoration of union and fellowship was reported, and all that remained for us was to proceed with the organization of the church without further difficulty.