As Communications of esteemed Brethren sometimes contain expressions which we choose not to use, and sentiments which we would not advance, we would say, that we are not responsible for what appears under this head.
From Bro. Tolman.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Bro Waggoner came last Fall into our neighborhood and gave us a course of lectures on the prophecies, the commandments, and the present truth of the third angel's message; and we feel to rejoice and praise the Lord for the light that shines so bright. Four of us immediately embraced the truth; and since that time two more have joined us in the faith, and another has commenced keeping the Sabbath.
As the Review and Herald comes to us richly laden with blessings, we hail it with joy, not only for the truth it contains, but also to learn the position of those who are looking for Jesus the second time without sin unto salvation to all those that love his appearing, and to reward them with a crown of righteousness that fadeth not away; also to give unto those who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory honor and immortality—eternal life.
As we meet from Sabbath to Sabbath, our faith grows stronger in the Lord, and in the Scriptures of divine truth, which are given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
The publication on the Sanctuary and 2300 days we have carefully read, and think it affords the right explanation of the mistake in the past. We believe that Jesus is in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly Sanctuary; and will soon come out to bless his people, that where he is, there they may be also, and behold his glory.
Jesus said, Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom; and five were wise and five were foolish, &c. Did he say that they would not be disappointed? No: he said that they would be disappointed, in consequence of which they would slumber and sleep. Neither did he say that the bridegroom would come, when the cry was made, Behold he cometh!
Babylon seems to be getting angry as we talk of the third angel's message, and of keeping the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and of the literal signs, the fulfillment of prophecy. The signs in the religious moral and political world show beyond controversy that Christ is near even at the door.
When we present these important truths in some of the First-day meetings in order to avoid hearing on these subjects they will close their meetings. Now in so doing, do they not fulfill the saying that is written: They have eyes, but they see not; ears have they but they hear not; hearts, but they understand not
Not long since I was talking with a Baptist minister on the subject of the Sabbath. He being a Latin, Greek and Hebrew scholar, undertook to support the Christian Sabbath; and when he failed to do so, at last said, before some six or eight, that he did not believe in keeping any Sabbath. Now is he not giving the lie to his own profession? or how can they who hear him make such denials of the Sabbath, have confidence in him? But this is come to pass, which is spoken, They are willingly ignorant.
As we are living in perilous times in which false teachers and their false doctrines shall abound, in whom shall we put our trust? In the arm of flesh? No; but in God who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters, and rested the seventh day from all his work.
I often fear for the danger I am in with the rest of my fellow-creatures, of being overtaken with our sins upon us when Jesus shall make his appearance in the clouds of heaven. Awful day to a wicked world! Then he which is filthy will be filthy still; he that is righteous will be righteous still. If we are of the righteous, with what joy shall we hail his appearing, when he shall descend in all his grandeur and power, with all his holy angels, taking vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the gospel, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power. O who would not embrace the truths of the gospel, and be able to stand before the Son of man.
Yours in the blessed hope, striving to keep the patience of the saints, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. LEBBEUS TOLLMAN.