SOWING THE SEED by H. S. Gurney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 19, 1861

SOWING THE SEED.

By H. S. Gurney

BRO. WHITE: Thinking the enclosed letter will encourage some one to be more active in sowing the seeds of present truth, I take the liberty to send it to you.

My brother, Elbridge, from Massachusetts, made a visit to Wisconsin the past summer, and there became acquainted with this young man, who on his return accompanied him as far as New York, and stopped at our house for a few days. We gave him books, and you see the result. He had never heard on the subject. His father, now dead, was a Methodist minister. His mother lives in Wisconsin. He is now with his brother, a Methodist minister, the friends he refers to.

H. S. GURNEY.

DEAR BRO. AND SISTER IN THE LORD: More than a score of times since the evening I received your letter have I taken up my pen to write you, but have as often been compelled to lay it down, unable to trace a line, or to write a word. This morning I again attempt it, and as I write my heart throbs with emotion, my eyes grow dim, and my hand is far from steady. I often think of my accidental visit, and think of it with pleasure. As you said, if we had understood each other we might have had a very pleasant time, or I should say, much more pleasant. I have always been very bashful, and not very conversive with my friends. But I feel to thank God this morning that I was influenced by Elbridge to stop at your house. Though at that time I did not believe any of your tangible doctrine, and believed that your (now obvious) theory was a hoax, I find now that I labored under a mistake, a grand mistake. The Sabbath question is as clear as crystal—perfectly obvious to my mind. I have talked with a great many on the subject, and they all say Saturday was the day they used to keep. Well, I ask them why they don't keep it now, for we are told that if we offend in one point we are guilty of all; for it says "Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy." Is not that a commandment? I think it is the greatest of the ten. Well, one argument they advance is, The apostles were inspired men, and they met on the first day of the week, and commanded the people to do so. Now they say if God had been displeased with them he would not have blessed their labors so powerfully. They left good evidence of their acceptance with God, and of a triumphant death. But I have looked a great deal for the command which the "inspired" men gave to the people, but I cannot find it.

Last Saturday I kept the Sabbath, and I felt blessed for it. My friends said that looked strange to them, to see me keep the Sabbath; but I care not what they may say, I am in the right path. The light of the new tower, thank God! is shining all around, and the lamps of our sanctuary are burning brightly. You asked me if I did not find some embarrassment in the way, or if it was not a cross for me to take such a ground without near friends' help. I can tell you it is a great cross, but recollect it is a great blessing we receive for taking it up. I have read a great deal on the soul question, but have not settled on that belief yet. Hope I may.

CHAS. H. ANDERSON.

Little Valley, N. Y., Oct. 27, 1861.