Communication from Bro. Holt.
By George W. Holt
I STILL feel to participate in the unpopular work of spreading before this generation, those precious truths of divine origin which have been, and are still trodden under foot by the Antichristian church, and buried beneath the rubbish of heathen philosophy, Romish superstition, and popular theology. Notwithstanding seeming difficulties, and many discouragements which are thrown in the path of the christian, by the enemies of truth and good order, to obstruct the way, and to prevent, if possible, the work of restoring that portion of Bible truth which has been so long neglected, I am resolved to unite in the laborious task with those who have come up of their own free-will, and have a mind to work in this troublesome time. Although we are obliged to work with one hand, and hold a weapon of war in the other, I am persuaded that the good hand of the Lord is with us, and will prosper the work until it is completed. I rejoice that the good Spirit of the Lord has stirred up the hearts of some to engage in this work, who are willing to risk all on the altar of sacrifice, and appropriate all their worldly gain to carry forward this enterprise. All who willingly give their substance for this purpose will hold a check on the Bank of New Jerusalem; and when the work is completed, will for corruptible things receive "glory and honor and immortality, eternal life," with "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." They will have an undisputed right in the city of God and free access to the tree of life. Finally, they will inherit all things. Who would not be willing to exchange a few poor corruptible treasures of this perishable world for eternal riches and immortal blessings which cannot be estimated by mortals? Can it be possible that any will go away grieved like the young man when they learn that all is required in order to procure the durable riches promised in the book of God? I am persuaded better things of those who profess to believe that we are having the last warning message; and the last invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Our faith in this matter will be proved. If we really believe "these things are so," we shall have corresponding works. "Faith without works is dead." I expect those brethren who have had the privilege of doing but little for the advancement of this last work to be wrought for the church and world, will crave the blessing of giving, and embrace the first opportunity to aid in this enterprise. In order to do this, and make the work effectual, my opinion is that men called of God to preach, will at the same time need to be liberated so as to go out free and set these truths before the people in the power of the Spirit. "Faith cometh by hearing," "and how shall they hear without a preacher?" We do not expect people to buy books and pay for papers until they become interested in the truths we preach and publish. When the word is preached in the power of God sent out by the Holy Spirit, brethren are stirred up to duty and active faith, which makes it easy to perform their task; for then they lose sight of this poor world and are enlivened with a bright hope of the world to come. Unbelievers are pricked to the heart and begin to inquire if these things are so; and being convicted of the truthfulness of the message, they are ready to procure our works which treat on different subjects. Thus the pay is received for printing and the work goes on free from embarrassment. I learned from a note in the Review that Bro. Waggoner was laboring with his hands to support his family; and others are in the same condition. New fields are opening before us, and call for help, but few can be supplied on the account of the scarcity of preachers, and because a portion of them are obliged to work with their hands to support their families. I have wished sometimes that preachers could live by faith only, and that their shoes would not wear out, and their clothes would not become old; but this is not the case. It is written "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." It would be cruel to muzzle the ox and then beat the poor creature because he did not move faster and tread out more corn. We cannot expect much from preachers that are bound. They have but little time to study the word and bring out of the rich storehouse things new and old to feed the flock of God. In hope of eternal life. G. W. Holt. Oran, N. Y., March 15th, 1855. P. S. I recently held meetings in Van Buren about two weeks since where considerable interest was manifested and a desire to hear further. I disposed of nearly all my books, and on account of paying my rent and sickness in my family I have no money to send for more; some have turned to keep the Sabbath in that place. G. W. H. We learn that Brn. in Mich. are anxious to obtain Bro. Waggoner's labors and to sustain him in the work. We hope he will accept the offer.—Ed.