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Smiting

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Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Aug 5, 1851

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 2, No. 1.

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Smiting

By Jesse Thompson

[From Bro. Thompson.]

Smiting.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: While reading an article from H. H. Gross in the “Advent Herald” of May 31st, in which he speaks of Bro. Geo. W. Holt in a very unchristian manner, I was led to reflect upon the two classes of servants mentioned in Matt. xxiv, 46—51, one giving meat in due season to the household, and the other smiting his fellow-servant.
Bro. Gross says, “A deceiver has passed this way of late, by the name of—Holt, of Auburn,” &c., and speaks of him as being “so lacking in valor as to skulk along through a back country, taking in the simple-hearted by guile.” It is true that I live in the “back country,” and hope to be “simple-hearted” enough to believe in the word of God, but I would ask if it is not possible that Bro. Gross is as much mistaken in Bro. Holt’s true character as a Christian, and a Minister of Christ, as he is of his place of residence? He resides at Oswego. The fact that Bro. Gross seems to be ignorant of Bro. Holt’s place of residence, and first name, is strong evidence that he is ignorant of the real character of the man that he has thus abused, and that he has spoken of Bro. Holt presumptuously and wickedly.
I am personally acquainted with Bro. Gross, he resided in this town one year. I am also personally acquainted with Bro. Holt, and his faithful labors, and know him to be a humble, devoted servant of God. Would to God that I could say as much of Bro. Gross. For years, myself and family and others in this vicinity, had been famishing for the word of life, but the Lord sent Bro. Holt to us last March, who presented the truth from the Bible, and like the faithful servant, fed us with meat in due season. And for so doing, he who was once his fellow-servant in the same cause must smite him. Now I wish to say that I wholly disfellowship this course of slandering and smiting those who may honestly differ from us on some points. I have seen so much of biting and devouring one another in the Advent papers, that my heart has sickened, and I have been of the opinion that it would be better not to take them; but search the scriptures of truth, which are able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith that is in Jesus Christ. I do not wish to give the idea that a paper is not needed. One breathing the sweet spirit of the gospel of Christ never was needed, more than now.
When Bro. Holt came to my house I listened to his views of the Sanctuary with intense interest; but when he mentioned the Sabbath, I introduced an article from the “Advent Harbinger,” written by Hiram P. Crozier against the Sabbath. But when Bro. Holt compared that article with the Bible, I was astonished to find that a number of statements in it were not according to the word of God. And then my mind was prepared to listen to the commandments of God, one of which I saw enforced the Holy Sabbath.
The light that I have received upon the present truth, explains the past Advent movement, shows clearly our present position, and gives certainty to the glorious future. Jesus will come and “they that do the commandments” will meet him with joy. And although they are denounced by the world, and the evil servant here, yet they will “enter in through the gates into the city,” and “have right to the tree of life.”
JESSE THOMPSON. Ballston, (N. Y.) July 31, 1851.