James White Joins in Calling for Gospel Order

Through December, James White joined Ellen White's voice through four Review editorials. Under the same title, “Gospel Order,” he came to grips with the matter in a practical way. He first pointed out the confusion among the body of Adventists who had not accepted the Sabbath whom we have called “first-day Adventists,” in contrast with those who worshipped on the seventh day of the week. These had overlooked gospel order and, as he said, were in “perfect Babylon” (The Review and Herald, December 6, 1853). Was having a creed the answer? He pointed out:1BIO 287.9

It is the opinion of the mass of professors of religion that human creeds are indispensable to the maintenance of gospel order.... But what is the real condition of the churches with all their creeds to aid them? They are in a condition but little less than perfect confusion.... It is evident, therefore, that human creeds do fail to accomplish the work for which men plead their necessity.—Ibid., December 13, 18531BIO 288.1

He then presented his basic position:1BIO 288.2

We go for order and strict discipline in the church of Christ. And while we reject all human creeds, or platforms, which have failed to effect the order set forth in the gospel, we take the Bible, the perfect rule of faith and practice, given by inspiration of God. This shall be our platform on which to stand, our creed and discipline.

This will not fail to accomplish the work “whereunto it was sent.” It came from above. It has its origin in the councils of heaven. Its author is the God of “peace” and order; while the strange confusion of man-made creeds spring from this world, and have their origin in the brains of poor erring mortals. “As the heavens are higher than the earth,” so is our creed, which is the Word of God, higher in perfection and real worth than all human creeds.—Ibid.1BIO 288.3

In this editorial, the second in the series, James White made it clear that he saw a large task ahead in arriving at and preserving “gospel order in the church,” but he declared that it “must be and will be accomplished.” In the third editorial he deals with the “calling, qualifications, and the duties of a gospel minister.” He asserts that “the united action of the church relative to those who take the watchcare of the flock would have a powerful influence to unite the church in love.”—Ibid., December 20, 18531BIO 288.4

The fourth editorial brought out the responsibilities of the individual church members in giving support in both prayers and finances.1BIO 289.1

The series closed with the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 12:1-18, setting forth God's ideal for His people. Ellen and James White had sown the seed—it would take time to mature. What was written tended to restrain a tendency to disunion in the ranks of the believers. Another factor, something not enjoyed by the other churches, was the guiding and restraining influence of the visions, which the believers accepted as having authority. The interplay of Bible instruction and the Spirit of Prophecy messages come into full view as church organization was consummated a few years later.1BIO 289.2