LEBBEUS TALLMAN by Lebbeus Tallman

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 27, 1857

LEBBEUS TALLMAN

By Lebbeus Tallman

From Bro. Tallman.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: I feel to praise and thank God that he has not left us to grope our way in darkness; but has given us the sure word of prophecy, whereunto we do well that we take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day-star arise, or Jesus, who is our life shall appear.

I think there is no mistake in the signs already given, and the tokens that do appear, that our deliverance is near. Glorious hope! Blessed anticipation of a speedy transition from this vain world of sin, sorrow and death, to an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. I say again, Blessed anticipation to meet in that bright world of joy, to inherit all things, where the evils of this mortal life, are felt and feared no more.

Here we are strangers and pilgrims, having no enduring inheritance, but by faith we are looking for one that is substantial, even the same that Peter looked for, and called the new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. Daniel describes the kingdom and the dominion of it to be under the whole heaven, and it is not to pass away. The saints of the Most High will take the kingdom and possess it for ever and ever; and having glory, honor, immortality and eternal life bestowed upon them, they will shine as the stars of the firmament without end. This is the heavenly country that all the patriarchs looked for, and can not we lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing (not guessing) by the signs and tokens that our redemption is drawing near, when we too with all the saints shall possess the heavenly inheritance, and the city whose maker and builder is God?

Brethren and sisters, as myself and companion are alone here in the blessed hope of eternal life, and have none to sympathize with us, or to meet on the Sabbath of the Lord, we feel very lonesome, and ask your prayers that our faith fail not, believing that the fervent prayers of the righteous avail much. Cannot Bro. Stewart, or some other brother, come and spend a few weeks in this valley, preaching the words of eternal life, among the many who reside here? It may be there are some who have ears to hear, and would gladly receive the truth if faithfully presented to them. I think that new fields are the place for laborers to enter, that all may have a chance to hear and decide for themselves.

Before I close, I would ask some brother to throw more light, if they have it, on Dan. xii, 13. "But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days."

Your brother searching for truth as for hid treasures, and believing that the wise shall understand.

LEBBEUS TALLMAN

Tomah, Wis., Aug. 1st, 1857.