H. S. GURNEY by H. S. Gurney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 8, 1871

H. S. GURNEY

By H. S. Gurney

From Bro. Gurney.

It is always a source of consolation to see those who profess to love the truth all ready to advance and seek the whole truth. The third angel’s message brings new truths to our consideration. Not a new revelation, but a revival of truths that have been lost sight of by the people of God; consequently the revival seems like a new truth, and an individual receiving the new light seems like a new convert. A new field opens before his mind; he wonders that he never saw these things before. I have been an unyielding Adventist for more than thirty years. I know all the crooks and turns that so many professing the name have made. I know the reason why so many calling themselves Adventists are so bitterly complaining of a lack of order and union among themselves. It is because they refuse to receive that message which has the commandments of God in it, obedience to which brings order and unity. Hence those who add the third angel’s message to their faith and practice are led to exclaim, “Great peace have they who love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them.” This was exemplified last first-day when Bro. Lawrence led four into the water to be buried with Christ in baptism. They came out of the water rejoicing in full assurance of faith. Twenty in this vicinity have signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ; others intend to unite soon. How sorry I am for those who should be engaged in a better cause, yet are so blind that they find fault with the perfect law of God. I was talking with a minister the other day. The only difference we really found between us was touching the law of God. He gave signs of great impatience. It was very evident that the law of God made a division between us. And I was led to inquire whether obedience to the law is safe. But the most painful thought is this, he was an Adventist, professing not to be creed-bound. Shall I say that such, unless they repent, are in the broad road? Oh! the fate of an unfaithful shepherd! Those engaged in the third angel’s message are doing a very solemn work. The day of Judgment will tell how this work is done. But it makes division. How can we help it? The world must be ripened and divided into wheat and tares before the Lord comes. As it was in the days of Noah and Lot, &c. Remember Lot’s wife. The law will draw a straight line in justice, without respect to persons. I must go forward, if my friends and fellow-laborers and partners in the faith turn from me. The parting may be grievous, but I must go on and let them feed on husks. Their choice in this will prove their ruin. I would exhort them to stop and seriously consider what they are doing, and whether they are not uniting with those who are turning away their ears from hearing the law, and must sink with the blood of souls upon their garments. By giving all diligence it may be we shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger. Zeph. 2: 3.

H. S. GURNEY

Brockway Center, Mich., June 27.