Untitled article by H. S. Gurney

Untitled article

H. S. Gurney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, February 4, 1868

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 8

From Bro. Gurney.

We are making extra efforts in this church to arise in the armor of truth, and not altogether without fruit. Quite a number of the church begin to labor as I have never seen them before, and the cry is raised to God to send help by some one who will do us good.

The health reform is moving slowly among us. Quite a number are prepared to speak of its benefits. The dress reform is becoming quite general in this church, which is really commendable, especially where there is a bold satisfaction in putting it on.

The subject of reform holds a very prominent place in my heart, and having experienced its benefits greatly in myself and family, I cannot refrain from speaking, and sometimes with emphasis in its favor. It may be said that the health reform is not a part of the third angel's message. Very well. The teamster may say that the load is not a part of the wagon which bears it. Any one can see that there is a necessary connection. So with the third angel's message. It must take on these reforms. We need them, and must have them, and those who will not, are certainly, to say the least, standing in their own light, and periling their faith in the third angel's message.

If the baptism of John was from Heaven, and the people could then believe it, then, it seems to me, with tenfold greater confidence can we say and believe that the Advent movement is from Heaven. Oh! how true it is that prophecy is being fulfilled in second-advent experience.

I am in favor of that kind of testimony which stirs human nature, and rolls up foul waters. A testimony which never crosses our track is not doing much to prepare us for Heaven. A religion without the cross must be a worldly religion, which does not look toward Heaven. We must know the depths of the Saviour's love, and bear a daily cross.

We need help here; but it may be we do not yet sufficiently feel our need, but we shall labor for this feeling. Quite a number of us have covenanted together to make this church a special subject of daily prayer, and we already see a good result. Can Bro. Andrews be spared to help us? and we will try to help ourselves.

The thought of not following close up in the progressive work of the third message, is a very painful thought to me. Nothing affords greater pleasure than to see the church progressing in the work of reform. It is among such we look for the pure wheat. Don't let us be found separating a good work from the third angel's message. The Lord is leading this people in the work of preparation for the second advent, or he is not. If he is, it is a fearful thing to strike against it; an assuming of responsibility which is fearful to bear, and from which I pray to be excused.

H. S. GURNEY.

Memphis, Mich., Jan. 27, 1868.