H. S. GURNEY by H. S. Gurney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1867

H. S. GURNEY

By H. S. Gurney

From Bro. Gurney.

BRO. SMITH: And still we strive to live. If it was to live in this mortal state, our courage would fail, for all is vanity and vexation. But we strive for life eternal, which bears an exceeding and eternal weight in our minds, and causes us to rejoice much, when we by faith look into the holy city prepared above, and there see Jesus, who has, as a man, in this dark world, overcome, and is seated at the right hand of God. Shall we see him there, and behold and admire the preparation of mansions to receive his people, who are to be the guests at the marriage supper? Glorious thought indeed! But to find it so at last, will be still more glorious. Descriptions of the immortal state will be as real as were the events recorded in the history of Christ's earthly mission.

We, as a people, are acting an important part in the history of this world. We are acting before the world one of the circumstantial evidences of Christ's second coming. No less so are the opposers of the truths we advocate. The glory will come to the faithful advocate of truth who takes the position which condemns the world, and secures the life to come. The road to life being straight and narrow, we should seek it with the greatest care and concern. No turning and twisting to shun crosses or evade duties in the religious course; but with a resolute and firm step move on, determined to conquer or die at our post. Such will get the prize. But many start with a half determination, always shirking from duty, never ready for any forward move, never feeling that any particular responsibility is required of them. Such must find themselves, sooner or later, in a sad state. No firm hold upon the things that belong to godliness, their hope so small it can hardly be seen or even felt. Not so with him who will not be satisfied without the vital spark of eternal life burning in his heart. He will not rest on a ray of hope; he must have a hope that is big with immortality and eternal life, or you will find him in distress and anxiety for his safety. There is too much at risk to be careless in these matters, or “at ease in Zion.”

I have not found any middle ground in religious matters, unless it be the imperceptible condition of the Laodicean state. I have not learned any other way than to walk square up to all the light that strikes upon my path. More than twenty years ago, by a thorough examination of the testimonies of sister White, so far as then revealed, her Christian character and all the circumstances connected, I became well convinced that her visions were of God. And all the weapons of warfare in their various forms, from that time to this, have never in the least changed my mind. It was evidence which I could not resist that convinced me that they were of God, therefore I knew that the whole crusade against them was from the Devil. This position gives a perfect confidence in the third angel's message. There is no possible room to doubt. Hence we say, The Lord is soon coming. He is at the door; therefore get ready. Drink into all the reform movements, and be prepared for the time of trouble such as never was, and, having passed through it, you may be a sharer in the kingdom of God.

“Oh! that will be joyful, when we meet to part no more.”

H. S. GURNEY

Memphis, Mich.