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An Explanation
Dear Christian Friends,
As I have given a brief sketch of my experience and views,
published in 1851, it seems to be my duty to notice some points in
that little work, also to give more recent views.
1. On page 33 is given the following: “I saw that the holy
Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel
of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question
to unite the hearts of God’s dear, waiting saints. I saw that God
had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not
rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of
trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and
proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.”
This view was given in 1847 when there were but very few of
the Advent brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these but few
supposed that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a
line between the people of God and unbelievers. Now the fulfillment
of that view is beginning to be seen. “The commencement of that
time of trouble,” here mentioned does not refer to the time when the
plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before
they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time,
while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the
earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to
prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the “latter rain,” or
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refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power
to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand
in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.
2. The view of “The Open and Shut Door”, on pages 42-45,
was given in 1849. The application of
Revelation 3:7, 8
, to the
heavenly sanctuary and Christ’s ministry was entirely new to me. I
had never heard the idea advanced by anyone. Now as the subject of
the sanctuary is being clearly understood, the application is seen in
its force and beauty.
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