Items of Experience by Nettie T. Holt

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 31, 1871

Items of Experience.

By Nettie T. Holt

I had decided from principle, previous to hearing Bro. Whitney’s lectures in Keene, N. Y., to be a Christian; but I knew nothing of a Christian life. I was led by “blind shepherds.” I knew nothing of Biblical truths. I did not care to read God’s holy word. I was influenced by professed people of God. They read stories, loved to talk of Dickens’ works, &c. I did not feel the importance of the profession I was making, until the truth of the Bible was set before me; then the responsibilities seemed so great that I nearly gave up in despair. But no; cowardly conscience, how ungrateful! Why is it that we falter and faint by the way? Why grow weary over such a promising prize? Why do we sigh and weep? Are sorrows conquered so? Will the Lord remove the clouds while we sit still repining at our lot? No; I have learned this by experience. But we must toil if we would win the goal of our desires. Resolves, alone, will not help us; for if we would reap, we surely must sow, or not share in the harvest.

A contrast between the people of God and the world came before me in a dream, and is still forcibly impressed upon my mind. There were two roads. One seemed to lead to a very quiet and pleasant valley; and many were traveling that way. They formed a grand procession, were arrayed in glittering and costly attire, and their cry was, “Go with us.” They seemed to be happy. They were greeted by all the world. Flowers grew up around them. It seemed an inviting place to go. All the allurements of the world seemed to call me that way. I don’t know why I didn’t go. It is all the Lord’s work in keeping me. The other way was a narrow and stony path leading up a hill, and thorns grew by the way instead of flowers, and a few worn and weary travelers, trusting in the Lord for pure and spotless robes at the end of the race, were going there. I decided to be one of the few. I find peace, and am beginning to love these truths dearly. I do not find so many thorns as I expected. I am trying to form a meek and humble Christian character. My dear friends, if we are the remnant of Israel, may our deeds prove worthy of the name; for “the remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth.”

NETTIE T. HOLT.

Essex Co., N. Y.