Prove all Things by H. S. Gurney

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 3, 1858

Prove all Things.

By H. S. Gurney

NOTHING tends so much towards the advancement of any cause as to appeal to the reasoning powers of mind. Such a course prepares for deliberate action. God has contrived the plan to save ruined man, and has adapted it to man's comprehension in his fallen state; hence every impression, word and action, should be so carefully studied and distinctly understood that man's judgment would be convinced when brought into proper exercise.

By following the testimony of Jesus and the apostles we find perfect order maintained while carrying out the revealed plan of God. Human theories, traditions of men—opposed the work of God; but the course of truth was onward with a steady march, discomfiting its foes, and making its incessant appeals to the judgment of men. Wisdom is justified of all her children. Jesus declared in substance that the children of this world were more deliberate in managing their affairs than the children of light. We might inquire here upon the supposition, why the children of light should stand reproved by the children of this world? But this would be deviating from my purpose at this time, so I will proceed.

Paul's address to Felix was of a character that reached his reasoning powers. He trembled because his judgment was convinced. He was interested in that he promised to call again. Paul reproved the Corinthian church for disorder in the use of the gifts which were bestowed upon them for their improvement. Paul labors to show them their duty and responsibility as stewards of those gifts, (speaking with tongues, and the Lord's supper is particularly referred to) and that the power is in the church to regulate any disorder. Every act of God's dealing with man appeals to common sense before the designed effect can be produced upon the heart. It is the duty of the church to prove all things, and hold fast that which is good. Nothing can be proved without first understanding its merits, and this cannot be without search; therefore whatever comes up purporting to be the effect of the Spirit of God, it becomes the duty of the church to understand and consider it in all its bearings before they should lend their sympathy. If there was no tangible rule to settle questions of such vast importance relating to our duty, then we should easily be imposed upon by the suggestions of Satan, or left to follow the wild imagination of any spirit, which course persisted in, would be attended with loss of interest in the fundamental truths of God's word and lay a foundation to believe a lie and be damned! A tree is known by its fruit. The spontaneous fruits of a just man are "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance," which things no justice can condemn. All exercises which do not produce or revive the principles above quoted in the hearts of those concerned, we have reasons to suspect are the fruits of an imaginary spirit wrought upon by impulses to which human nature is subject; and dictated by surrounding circumstances.

H. S. GURNEY.

Jackson, Mich., May 16th, 1858.