Signs of the End by H. S. Gurney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 24, 1863

Signs of the End.

By H. S. Gurney

I AM still watching with increasing interest the signs of the times. As it is true that the Advent people have not followed fables, so it is true that startling events are just upon us. All men seem perplexed, and at a loss to know what the end shall be. Not so with us. The wicked do wickedly, but the wise shall understand what the end shall be. God has revealed himself to us as he does not to the world, in manifesting the gift of prophecy among us, thus throwing light upon our path, and causing us to understand the Scriptures of truth. The path of God's people being elevated above the world, gives them all the advantage in understanding the nature and progress of events.

Although the day of the Lord shall come as a thief, ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief; ye are children of light. The apostle exhorts us not to walk in darkness. Light is sown for the righteous. With the lowly is wisdom.

The third angel's message is the key which unlocks the present, and sends a gleam of light into the future. By taking heed to this message we shall not walk in darkness, but shall discern this time. If we lack wisdom God will supply it through the gifts which he has so manifestly sanctioned in the church. I rejoice in such manifestations of power and wisdom. Let us still watch, and wait, and look up. Our redemption draweth nigh. I am sensible that trials await us while the time of trouble draws near; but hope grows strong and brightens with a luster as I see the preparation for the end.

I look upon the civil war in our nation as the beginning of the end. Between this and the whirlwind of nations will be allowed a little space for a confidential cry of peace and safety among religious politicians.

Ye, brethren, the little flock, will know certainly that sudden destruction is coming—the time of trouble such as never was. It is my opinion that this government, in settling accounts at the close of the present struggle, will get into difficulty with England, while two other leading powers of Europe will be engaged. Then, woe to the world!

Yours in hope of eternal life when Jesus comes. H. S. GURNEY. Jackson, Mich.