Communication from Bro. Holt by George Washington Holt

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 31, 1856

Communication from Bro. Holt.

By George Washington Holt

Bro. Smith :—I improve this opportunity in writing a few lines to inform the brethren that I remain a pilgrim in this world, seeking a better country, even that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. My interest for the unpopular truths which we have been advocating for a few years past is not abating, but on the increase. I confess that my courage has failed, and my faith grown weak, while witnessing formality, pride, unbelief, and so little of the Spirit of God, and the love of Jesus, manifested in the church. But thank the Lord, my courage has been increasing of late, and my faith begins to take hold with an unyielding grasp the never-failing promises of God.

My own sickness, and the sickness of my family, which commenced the first of September and continued about three months and a half, prevented me from doing what I anticipated by going into new fields to present those truths which are so dear to us before the minds of such as have ears to hear.

But I am thankful to God for the inestimable blessing of affliction. I am better qualified to sympathize with the poor and afflicted people of God than before.

Sabbath-day, Nov. 16th, an unusual degree of the Spirit of God rested upon me as I lay on a sick bed, and I was much blessed of the Lord. From that time my health began to amend more visibly, and now my health is quite good, and my physical strength nearly returned, for which I praise God. My family also are restored again to usual health.

As soon as our health would admit of it, we held meetings in the vicinity of Milan and Sandusky for the especial benefit of the Church in that place. Our meetings were much favored with the divine Spirit, and crowned with success beyond our expectation. Humble confessions with weeping and supplications were made on account of past errors committed, and a permanent union we believe was effected.

The Church in this place are waking up to a sense of duty, and begin to realize in some degree the obligations and close walk of a christian in these last days of peril. Our prayer is that the work begun may go on until an entire victory over pride, formality, fashion, and every thing which is not becoming to a follower of the meek Lamb of God, is won.

We long to see the church of God adorned with the beautiful and unspotted garments of righteousness, meekness and simplicity. O yes; with those gifts of the Spirit, and that power and humility which graced the primitive church. Is it our privilege to enjoy these blessings? Yes, indeed it is: when we possess the same degree of humility and simplicity God will be well pleased to bestow them on his church again, inasmuch as the set time to favor Zion is come, and God has set his hand the second time to gather the remnant of his people, which he will bring from the East, and gather from the West and will say to the North, Give up; and to the South, Keep not back.

We hail with joy the weekly visits of the Review as it comes to us laden with fresh clusters of Eshcol for the encouragement of the scattered remnant as they journey through this dark, howling wilderness to the promised land of which we have no evil report to bring. The fruit of that land is good and fair, and the tall sons of Anak appear to us as grasshoppers, and they will appear as grasshoppers in their own sight as we march onward in one solid column, with perfect order in our ranks. With Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, at the head, we are able to go up and possess the land.

We have been holding a series of meetings in Huron where we had a good congregation of attentive hearers. Some have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and others confessed the reasonableness of our position and the propriety of keeping the seventh day. We hope they will soon feel its important claims and turn away their feet from treading down that holy commandment. We shall continue if the Lord will to hold meetings in new places as the way opens

Your brother seeking for perfect victory.

G. W. HOLT.

Fremont, O., Jan. 23d, 1856.