L E T T E R S | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 19, 1861

L E T T E R S.

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

From Bro. Gurney.

DEAR BRO. SMITH: I wait for the Review as it makes its weekly visits as I wait for a drink of cold water when very thirsty. It comforts and encourages me while waiting for the Lord; and by its faithfulness, and straightforward course in advocating present truth, though unpopular, and pointing out and condemning errors, it reproves me if I should stray from the narrow path. How cheering to hear from the various parts of the great harvest field every week. By this means I am prepared to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, and thus sympathize with those who feel the burden of this message.

Brethren and sisters we should not be slow to hold up the hands of the burden-bearers in this message. God's frown will rest upon those who do not come up to the help of the Lord in the great preparation for the Lord's coming. How glorious appears the harmonious chain of present truth. It is the word of the Lord, like apples of gold in pictures of silver. It is a fire to consume dross, and undermine sandy foundations. It is a sword with two edges, which proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, and gloriously defends justice and mercy. Can we ask more to be done for us? But we greatly lack the spirit of this message, which is communicated through faith. Where faith is lacking communication by the ministry of angels is suspended. Then how weak! How poor! How miserable, and wretched blind and naked! Jesus pleads, angels wait to communicate, but faith shivers like a leaf in the wind. All this distrust amounts to nothing, but will end in death. We have every reason to believe firmly and fully in regard to all the way which the Lord has led us into the third angel's message. The heavens by signs have preached to us. The earth is preaching to us with groans unutterable. Men have been endowed with power and preached to us, unfolding the rich treasures of God's word. The evil servants have preached to us by their railing and scoffing, filling up their cup of iniquity for the day of wrath. Angels have been sent, and, through vision, have preached to us, correcting our errors and encouraging us in the warfare, and have we not reasons to believe without wavering? O let us cherish every good impression and strictly abide by them.

May the God of peace sanctify wholly, and preserve us blameless.

Yours waiting in hope. H. S. GURNEY. Jackson, Mich.