One of my favorite Brethren quotes is this one, penned by James Quinter just over 130 years ago:
while we fully recognize the necessity of the church’s adhering to the principles and practices of the gospel, we also recognize the prudential power of the church to a certain extent to adapt . . . to render it efficient in accomplishing its mission both in opposing evil and in promoting whatever is good. So while the church is conservative, having no authority to change the principles or practices of its founders, it is also progressive, and it should avail itself of whatever means and agencies that are afforded it from time to time, and which did not conflict with its holy character and laws.
Brethren Society, page 131
As you might guess from the quote, Quinter was a Dunker moderate, concerned with moving forward on things but doing so judiciously. The issues of contention have differed over the years, but there have always been leaders who sought creative solutions to what seemed unsolvable.
