Chapter 23—December 6, 1845

The Shut Door Question Divided the Adventists Into Two Groups.

I frequently hear from popular Adventists, expressions of deep sorrow on account of the divisions which have severed the Advent bands. And generally they express a strong desire that we should come back and be united with them again, and revive the former state of feelings which used to exist among us. I do not now doubt their sincerity on this point, for there seem to be great rejoicings among them when one returns back unto them. But can the advance party retreat except they turn traitors to King Jesus? (I feel that I cannot.) Since the “shut door” question divided the valiant 10,000, the 300 little ones have advanced even to doing our Lord’s least commandment. Have the nominals advanced one inch since the 23d of Oct. ’44?SDD 15.3

Although Bro. Himes preaches an open door the same as before the 10th of the 7th month ’44, yet his works seemeth not to harmonize with his preaching. Soon after the passing of the 10th of the 7th month ’44, I saw Bro. Himes at the office in Spruce St. He was overhauling his old plates which had been used for the purpose of making the vision plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2.) I said to Bro. H., are you going to remove these to some other place? O no, said Bro. H., I am going to sell them, they are worth 11 cents a pound for old metal. But, said I, will you not want them again? O no, said Bro. H., I have no further use for them.—Eli Curtis, The Day-Star, December 6, 1845, p. 38.SDD 15.4