LETTERS by A. E. Gurney

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1858

LETTERS.

By A. E. Gurney

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Sister Gurney.

BRO. SMITH: As my article on the dress question contains, or countenances, that which others condemn, I did hope it would not appear in the Review. But as it has appeared I wish to be better understood in regard to such things, so that I be not a cause of stumbling to any, for the Apostle says, "If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

While we should not condemn an improvement because approved by those who have not the fear of God before them, neither should we unite with those who make this world their God, and bow at the shrine of fashion. We cannot serve God and mammon. We cannot love God and possess a spirit of this world, for the two are opposing elements. Jesus says expressly, "If ye love the world the love of the Father is not in you;" then how can we be conformed to the world! I am not careful to know whether my neighbors view me or my children as living after the latest fashion, but to show by precept and example that I am a pilgrim and stranger, seeking a better country.

While I see the nominal professors of religion enjoying the pleasures of this life, and seeking honor one of another, living at ease, satisfied with a form of godliness, I pity them and feel to say as Jesus said to Jerusalem when he wept over it, "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong to thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes!" "Ephraim is joined to his idols let him alone!" They are of the world, they love their own. I expect no better things of them. But when I see and know that there are those among the remnant who are seeking and giving countenance to things not according to the spirit and teaching of Christ, indulging in those things which merely have a show of vanity and pride, thus sowing the seed of vanity in our children, I tremble for the consequence. We have been faithfully warned; line upon line! Then why so dilatory? Why live so indifferent, when "the true Witness" is ready to spue us out of his mouth?

Now consider the article referred to by Bro. Byington. I have no doubt Bro. B. has been tried by the immoderate use of hoops. I have no doubt but they have been worn imprudently, and have brought a reproach upon the cause we profess to love so dearly. A sister that will take an extreme, because another uses them with discretion, evidently is not trying very hard to get ready for the coming of the Lord; such will find excuses enough to follow any fashion she desires.

Do we realize that we are living in the time of judgment; that it may be our case is now being decided; then let our hearts be pure and our hands be clean. Let us not try to cover our ways by referring to another, and sometimes not an equal case. Now if hoops be worn with a proper motive and in a proper manner, and we teach and enforce such motive, and not suffer our children to go beyond such a principle, who will charge with sin, or throw a stone? But if worn at all seasons, and because others wear them, to keep up an appearance, what is the difference whether it be a hoop or a corded or rope skirt, or any other useless article. We trace such things to the fountain, and mourn over the state of the heart and its chilling influence upon our children.

Dear sisters, let us try to get into the work of God and be temperate in all things, not standing in the way of the work of God. Better were it that a millstone were hanged about our neck and we cast into the sea, than that we should offend any of the little ones. Let us be careful to exert a right influence over the young. They have a right to look to us for example. Let us strive to be like the holy women of old, and be early to the sepulchre, and often enquire of the Lord.

A. E. GURNEY.

Jackson, Mich., Oct. 2d, 1858.