p. 219 | Untitled article by H. S. Gurney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 17, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 14

From Bro. Gurney.

By H. S. Gurney

BRO. SMITH: It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the hand of Providence in leading us to contemplate those points which stand so closely connected with moral excellence. If it was so that John the Baptist in his work of preparing the way for the first advent was a reformer in regard to both diet and dress, and laid the ax at the root of the tree, then certainly the spirit of Elijah will mingle with the last message of mercy in a similar manner. It is true that there is a greater necessity for reform at the present time than ever before; yet the spirit of Elijah wherever manifested would work the same results. Hence I view a divine Providence in the work of reform as certainly as Jesus has said that Elijah will first come before the day of the Lord. The idea is clear from the language of Christ that the manifestations under the closing work of the gospel would be similar to that of John the forerunner of the first advent of Christ. Then certainly we cannot be too careful in regard to those points which seem so evidently, and we might say resolutely claiming a prominent position (see Matt. xi, 7-15; and Luke i, 76,) among the remnant while waiting for the Lord. As a general thing among the masses, appetite is their God. I know of some, Christians (?) shall I say, who think more of their appetite for tobacco and tea than they do of their best friends. This I have proved. When the great apostle pointed to some whose God was their appetite, could he say less of these tobacco-users and tea-drinkers? That church which can countenance such an appetite are far from a clear sense of Christian principles.

But some acknowledge an evil in these things, but they have been sinning so long they cannot break off sinning. Such clearly acknowledge they have brought themselves under the jurisdiction of other gods beside the God of Heaven. Such barter away their birthright. Their sensibilities are so blunted by the use of those things, that they can hardly discern a moral obligation.

Jesus says, speaking to the last generation, “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life,” &c., Luke xxi, 34; and Matt. xxiv, 49, clearly shows that the subject of eating and drinking would be agitated while looking for the Lord; and which is the right side of the question is apparent.

To speak of experience. It is not those who have tried the health reform thoroughly who condemn and find fault with it; neither is it those who reason from the science of physiology. Well, who then? Why, it is those whose appetite is their god; and quite likely we may find some among Seventh-day Adventists who suppose their obedience to the Sabbath law will entitle them to the favor of God, whose appetite is a governing principle. These serve not the Lord, but their own appetite. Rom. xvi. And in Phil. iii, 11, we read, “Whose god is their belly, who glory in their shame, who mind earthly things.”

The Lord will have a pure people for translation. And the reason why the subject of health is now agitated, is because the sanctuary is being cleansed, and the principles of health bear a close connection with moral cleanliness. Pure religion embraces the spiritual and intellectual, moral and physical, man; hence the exhortation to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.

I do say with confidence, being taught by reason, experience and the Bible, that our manner of living may very much affect our moral condition. Then how can I say that I am not under moral obligation to investigate the subject of health, and live in accordance with the laws of our life? Let us “TAKE HEED TO OURSELVES.

H. S. GURNEY.

Memphis, Mich., March 2, 1868.