LETTERS by H. S. Gurney

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

LETTERS.

By H. S. Gurney

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

From Bro. Gurney.

DEAR BRETHREN: We are looking for the Lord; not Jesus to save sinners from sin, but the KING OF GLORY to gather his people and give them the reward of eternal life and its associate blessings. Now a question arises in the mind from the words of Jesus. Luke xxi, 28. "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." These words are full of consolation to the real christian. I feel rather sensitive on this point just now. It seems to be a sort of command. And is not Jesus watching his people to see and hear them anxiously inquiring and watching for his return. We come short here. We do not feel a full and free union with the groaning creation, for the great restorer to come. Why is it? Because we suffer the perishable things of earth to fasten their claims upon our affections, and thus hide the glory of our coming Lord. Think of a husband, beloved of his family, absent from them only a few years. How anxiously they examine the evidences of his expected return. Would they not rejoice to hear that he had started for home? But this would bring a temporal, local blessing only. When Jesus comes he will fill the whole earth with his glory.

I am thinking that covetousness is a very great sin, even among us. I blush to mention it, but the word of the prophet comes to mind: "Cry aloud, spare not, show my people their sins."

A covetous disposition strikes at the very root of godliness, and burdens the church too heavy to look up to see the Lord come. How the Lord must frown upon covetous professed Adventists. They should be ashamed of the name! I desire to see a people ripening for glory in the great harvest field. And God always employs means to accomplish his work; and as a peaceful daubing will not do his work, hence I desire to see a pointed testimony arising in the church to finish the work of preparation. I believe such a testimony is needed and God will set it in order before us, and it will be as a strong wind to blow away the chaff. God's messengers will feel reproved, his stewards will blush, unless they are past feeling. The Devil will continue to deceive and keep all he can in an easy chair; but the wise shall understand. Who shall be able to stand? The covetous, the proud, the lover of dress, gold, and ornamental trimmings to make an appearance, whether worn by us or allowed in our family circle, may seriously ask the question while reasoning of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come.

About nineteen years ago I was an eye witness to an event of much importance to the rise of the first message. About fifty ministers in one circle crying with a loud voice for God to have mercy and forgive their sins, at the same time confessing their sin, which was in general a lack of preaching the word fearless of consequences. Here was a commencement which was felt among the people, and God wrought mightily. Ten thousand people might witness, if they would, that at that meeting, God was moving out a people for a specific work. We might have trace the "loud voice" of that message. The third angel also proclaims with a "LOUD VOICE;" and may we not reasonably conclude that God will bring up this work in a similar manner? The first angel found a congenial soil; but where? Not with the great and mighty, not in the institutions of learning, the popular ministry, but in a man (Mr. Miller) of comparative obscurity, who was made to feel the woe if he did not go with the message. The popular current was against him. A professed church opposed unless they thought it would serve their purpose better not to oppose. Very similar to this were the circumstances of the first advent, when John the Baptist was called from the wilderness. May we not expect that the third angel's message will rise under similar circumstances. Consider the humble instruments which God has evidently used to bring up this people to the standard of present truth. An exalted people will not be apt to acknowledge a very humble instrument; but God's plan will be carried out, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted, but the self-conceited shall be abased.

Yours in hope,

H. S. GURNEY.