Book: Clarence Creager Crisler, Organization: Its Character, Purpose, Place, and Development in the Seventh-day Adventist Church (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 1938). HTML, PDF.
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Organization
Its Character, Purpose, Place, and Development
in the
Seventh-day Adventist Church
By
C. C. Crisler
Review and Herald Publishing Association
Takoma Park, Washington, D.C.
1938
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Copyright, 1938, by Review and Herald Publishing Association
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Foreword
Much has been written regarding the experiences and labors of the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist movement. But none had attempted fully to trace the historical development of the principles and plan of organization until the late C. C. Crisler undertook the task. This volume is therefore unique and distinctive.
The manuscript was finished in 1925. Plans were partly effected to publish the book at that time, but they were not carried to completion. In the meantime the author has passed to his rest. All recognize his special qualifications to prepare such a work. Realizing the imperative need of placing this matter in the hands of all our workers, those responsible have regarded this as an opportune time for publishing it.
A younger generation of men are now bearing the responsibility of the ministry and leadership in this cause. They have not had personal knowledge of the struggles of the pioneers in establishing the foundations of gospel order in this movement. It is therefore fitting that we should have available the essential facts for our understanding and guidance.
“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”—Life Sketches, p. 196.
A careful study of this book will bring to all a reverent appreciation of God’s leadership in the founding of the [p. 6] advent movement. Step by step the providence of the Lord is revealed in establishing the principles of organization upon a Scriptural foundation. Our safety today depends on our building upon these principles.
J. L. McElhany.