Signs of the Times by George Washington Holt

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jun 23, 1853

Signs of the Times.

By George Washington Holt

It is evident from the light gathered from prophetic Scriptures, and the signs of the times, that we are living in the last perilous days; and that the day of retribution is near. The Voice of Prophecy speaks in thunder tones to demonstrate the fact. The sun, moon and stars have declared it. The present condition of the world, political, moral, and ecclesiastical, proclaims it. And the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, bespeak the great day of the Lord very near.

The angel of Rev. xiv, 6, 7, has flown through the midst of heaven, and borne on the breeze, to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, the good news of the everlasting kingdom near, with the solemn warning "the hour of his judgment is come." This was followed by the second angel, "saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen," and the midnight cry, proclaiming, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh," leaving a track behind us too plain to be denied by those who had a part in the work.

This we profess to believe. And more, that the third angel, with the solemn warning against worshiping the beast or image, and receiving his mark is now following on the track, with his banner unfurled to the breeze, and on it is seen in large characters, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

Dear brethren, do we fully consider that we are hearing the last notes of warning that will ever fall upon mortal ear?—Do we realize that the great and sublime truths that we are hearing, will prove to us a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death? Do we let these truths sink down into our hearts and sanctify our affections?

Finally have we all the spirit of the present truth? A mere nominal profession of the truth is not sufficient to save us. I am satisfied that there is a lack on this point. The mind is not all absorbed in this great subject that should claim all our affections. The cares of this world occupy too much space in our hearts, and crowd out truth, and leave the mind stupid in regard to the great events before us. The coming of the Lord is put too far off by too many that profess the present truth. I fear some will be overtaken unawares unless they awake soon, and get ready by putting on the whole armor of God, and get rid of the spirit of the world, and partake largely of the spirit of the third angel's message. Come, brethren, wake up a little while, and take a look at the thickening signs that speak your redemption nigh. The night is far spent; the day begins to dawn; the sun is nearly up; be encouraged to pursue your journey to the Celestial City, while the light of truth is shining on the way with such brilliant lustre. The pilgrims are about to leave this dreary wilderness, where they have so long journeyed, for a far better and a more healthful clime. Sell your poor farms in this barren waste, and buy one that is incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, in the New Earth, where thorns and briars will never grow,—where no blight nor scorching ray will ever come. No worn-out lungs, no weary limbs, no aching hearts in all that land. A land, indeed, to be desired above all lands! To that clime I am bound to go, and hope to meet you all to part no more. G. W. Holt. Manlius, N. Y. June 16th, 1853.