Cards of Recommendation

By comparing dates, it appears there was two years from the time “Experience and Views” was published until the “Supplement” appeared-from 1851 to 1853. The latter called for action. The delay to act was that all might understand the subject. The fear was the course those would pursue who claimed “freedom to go, with no restraint.” From 1853, the plan adopted was that of giving the ministers who had proved their gift, and were evidently approved of the Lord, and in harmony with all the work, a card recommending them to the fellowship of the Lord’s people everywhere, simply stating that they were approved in the work of the gospel ministry. These cards were dated, and signed by two of the leading ministers, known by our people to be leaders in the work. The one given to the writer, in January, 1853, was signed, “In behalf of the church,-“JAMES WHITE, “JOSEPH BATES, “Leading Ministers.”COOD 100.3