[We take the liberty to publish the following cheering extract from a letter written by Bro. G. W. Holt, to Bro. Rhodes, dated Volney, N. Y., Nov. 28.]
"Dear Bro. Rhodes—The Lord is still at work in Western N. Y. Yes, the Lord has set his hand to the work, and Israel must go free.—Every stumbling block will be removed, every band broken, every weight laid aside, every "spot" removed, and every "wrinkle" made smooth. The fan is thoroughly purging the floor, Amen. The third angel's message is waxing louder and louder. "The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites." This is the Lord's work and who can hinder it. Glory to God, the "watchmen" are seeing eye to eye, the Lord is bringing again Zion; salvation and strength is returning to the remnant of Israel. Some drops of the latter rain are enjoyed. The Church is fast proximating to "the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God."
How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up! This is not the excitement of the moment, no; it is the power of truth on the heart, written there by the Holy Spirit.
The third angel's message will sweep away all the "rubbish," and bring out every "jewel." The poor children that have been "thrust with side and with shoulder," and pushed with the horns of the shepherds, will soon be gathered into one fold, and be of one heart, and one mind, and all speak the same things, and glorify God with one mouth. The Lord will deliver them out of the hands of the cruel shepherds, and set his seal upon them, and cover them with his covering, that they may be able to "stand in the battle in the day of the Lord." The feeble among them will soon be as David; yes they will shine forth "clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." "The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," will prevail. The waters of Jordan will16roll back, and Israel will pass over.
I want to say to all the Brethren in the East, be strong, have faith in God. Call to mind the former things, remember the wonderful works of God in days of old. By faith Israel passed through the sea: God fed them in the wilderness. He gave them angel's food. He brought water out of the flinty rock to quench their thirst.
O, ye children, eat of that bread which cometh down from heaven, and drink large drafts from the fountain of life. The Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want. Awake, awake, put on strength. "The redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion." "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days." The remnant of Israel will soon shout victory over the beast, and his image, his mark, and the number of his name. In a little while the 144,000 will stand with the Lamb on the mount Sion singing the song of deliverance, and their experience, so peculiar to no other people. Amen.