LETTERS by H. S. Gurney

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1860

LETTERS.

By H. S. Gurney

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

From Bro. Gurney.

BRO. SMITH: My heart and sympathies are with those servants who give evidence of a sound judgment, and that God has called them to a watchcare of the "little flock." I do not feel like standing back and looking with suspicion upon them, as though God had placed them under my watchcare, and feeling like the people under Moses, that he was taking too much upon himself. Do we suppose that God has called servants to be his instruments in moving out a people and then placed them under the watchcare of the people as fast as they begin to move in this work? I dare not try such a work. If God has anything for me to do, it is a different work from this.

Brethren, don't let us hold back in this manner. When I find such, I do not expect to find them very far advanced in light, wisdom and power with God. I say let us throw off those shackles which Satan would bind on us in order to destroy our faith, and move forward.

I always feel sorry when it becomes necessary to commend the course of individuals in a public manner. My sorrow is derived from the natural disposition of men, and not from a lack of confidence in God's work. But the perilous position which some assume to take, makes it necessary to stay up the hands of those who give evidence that God has called them to occupy an advance position. And under such circumstances, this should be done without fear, before the enemy triumphs and leads many captive.

The present truth, under the lead of the third angel of Rev. xiv, to me looks glorious, harmonious, and firm as a rock. This message will go through; and while some advance with it, others will be left and "know it not." Another generation is not to come up to mend this work. God has set his hand to the work, and while some who are selfish and covetous are looking on with fear and jealousy, this work is leaving them

in a dark, fearful spot, like a man sleeping in the night. See 1 Thess. v. A man asleep is not conscious of evil. I have known some in their sleep to take perilous positions and not know it; hence we are admonished by the true Witness to secure eye-salve that we may see and learn our position, if so be we are not so far in the rear as not to hear the rebuke from the true Witness. Let those steady the ark whom God has called to that work, while I seek with humility to know my place, and having learned it to be faithful in it.

Yours in Christian bonds.

H. S. GURNEY.

Jackson, Mich.