p. 39 | A. O. TOBEY by A. O. Tobey

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1866

A. O. TOBEY

By A. O. Tobey

From Sister Tobey.

BRO. WHITE: Fifteen years ago, I embraced the doctrine of the immediate coming of Christ, as held by the First-day Adventists. How blessed and glorious it appeared to me then. How I longed to behold the King in his beauty—to worship at his feet, who died to redeem me—to be free from sin forever. Then every indication of his near approach was hailed with joy. But time passed, and as I looked and waited for the events which I thought were to precede his advent, there seemed each year a greater improbability of their occurrence. And I now confess with sorrow, that my interest began to abate, duties were neglected, and my interest in the world increased. Yet to say that I did not love this doctrine would be untrue; for once understanding it, the heart turns in vain to the world. Once fed with the bread of life, how unpalatable the husks of this world, how empty its vanities. I looked back upon my past experience with regret, because the Word said, "The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

One year ago I came from Massachusetts to this State, but thought I could not remain away from all my church privileges—where the sound of the coming One was never heard, so the day was appointed and preparations made to return East. I was induced to remain, why, I knew not then; but now I see the hand of the Lord in it.

When Elders Van Horn and Canright commenced their labors here, I attended, although supposing they held views which were erroneous. By going to hear for yourself, I have been led to see what many others might, if, laying aside prejudice and praying for God's Spirit to guide them into truth, they would investigate the Scriptures. "The entrance of thy words giveth light."

I now understand the Lord's day to mean the seventh day, and am striving to keep all the commandments, and to prepare in earnest for the coming of the Lord from Heaven. Thank God, I am not alone in this. A little company has been raised up here, who are looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. May we, with the rest of God's dear children, who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice, be able to look up when he shall come, and say, "Lo this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us."

My great desire is, that others may be led to believe and rejoice in this truth; and to this end may the Lord bless the efforts of his children to sound this message throughout the world, that the inhabitants thereof may be warned of their approaching doom. For soon shall the end come, when "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."

A. O. TOBEY

Tuscola, Mich.