L E T T E R S by H. S. Gurney

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 1, 1861

L E T T E R S.

By H. S. Gurney

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

From Bro. Gurney.

Bro. Smith: The thought of being with the Lord of life and everlasting glory, sharing with him in all the glory of his Father, who is our Father through his merits, is a very stimulating thought. But there is a way through which such a blessing may be enjoyed which is based on the principle of love flowing in two branches, towards God and our fellow-men. God is infinitely good. He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to die for man. Will seeking solely for reward exhibit the principle of love before the world for whom Christ died? Christ exhibited a character which must be seen in the Christian before the world, or else character is a mere profession—a mockery. To acknowledge Christ, to put on Christ, to walk with Christ, is not all talk. The life of Christ must be considered and imitated. He that heareth the

sayings of Christ and doeth them is like one building on a rock in the midst of storm and tempest. There are a few, and they are as pearls and jewels, who are constrained on the principle of the love of Christ to render service acceptable to God. Such glory in crosses, losses, afflictions and persecutions for Christ's sake, and following his example in submission to his Father. Such are God's peculiar treasure, and the reward of sharing with Christ in glory, is as certain as the promise is sure.

Dear brethren, I hope we shall not lose sight of the signs of the times, that we shall keep our loins girt about with truth. It is very evident that the Lord is coming in this very generation; the signs cannot be mistaken, or transferred to another age. God's hand has been in the work of moving out the Advent people, and it is done forever. When Christ was manifested in his earthly mission, in fulfillment of scripture testimony, such fulfillment became a sign, proving the Lord's hand in the work. Taking this view of the subject is the reason why Peter could so boldly testify that we have a more sure word of prophecy whereunto we do well to take heed.

That our Lord is coming so soon is a glorious thought. I say that he is coming, I do not guess at this. The same weight of evidence applied to a case in an earthly tribunal would be considered the clearest possible circumstantial evidence, and yet we doubt, like John the Baptist in prison. May God forgive us, and stir us up from a lukewarm state.

Yours watching and waiting for the Life-giver. H. S. GURNEY.

Jackson, Mich.