A Solution Projected

Only by a return to the love of Christ, Mrs. White declared, could Christians again attain to this wonderful unity (which is God’s requirement as well as goal), if they are to finish the work the apostles began. ^{48Testimonies for the Church 4:65.}GVEGW 139.4

And, with her gift for imagery, Ellen would speak of the “silken cord of love.” Four times in her writings she employed this analogy. ^{49The Review and Herald, April 5, 1887; The Signs of the Times, July 15, 1889; The Review and Herald, Septemper 15, 1891; The Bible Echo, March 2, 1903.}GVEGW 139.5

Martha Amadon, to whom we were earlier indebted for an eyewitness account of the first major health reform vision of June 6, 1863, also tells us that an early vision in Battle Creek contained a message that emphasized the need for (and present lack of) Christian unity. As Mrs. Amadon tells the story:GVEGW 139.6

“Sister White at one time arose to address the meeting concerning some who were too critical of each other because of differences of doctrine. While speaking she walked back and forth on the platform, earnestly appealing to the people, and pressing the question as to whether they had hold of the silken cord of love.GVEGW 140.1

“Suddenly the sound went through the audience as if she dropped to the floor, but immediately it was apparent that she was wrapped in a vision of God’s glory. What she saw was short and to the point, and sealed the truth of what she had been saying against the criticism prevalent.GVEGW 140.2

“Her reproofs on such occasions might seem to have been severe, but she always ended with cheering encouragement to those who would obey the counsel of God.” ^{50Cited in Notebook Leaflets From the Elmshaven Library, DF 105c.}GVEGW 140.3

Ever her message was “My brother, my sister, be afraid to find fault, afraid to talk against your fellow workers.... Remember that those only will enter heaven who have overcome the temptation to think and speak evil.” ^{51The Review and Herald, November 24, 1904.}GVEGW 140.4