Contending for the Faith
By S. H. Holden
BRO. SMITH: I would say a few words to cheer our brethren in the Lord through the Review. I am striving to keep the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus. If we would have the faith of Jesus we must contend for that faith that was once delivered to the saints, and that will be by keeping the commandments of God. I believe the time is now fast rolling on when men will not endure sound doctrine, but heap to themselves teachers having itching ears, and turn their ears from the truth unto fables. 2 Tim. iv, 3-5. Time is fast fulfilling, as it rolls along, the 3d chapter of 2 Tim. verses 1-9. We see it down here in the nineteenth century. But, brethren, it only makes me stronger in the Lord and in the power of his might. Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw. Let us put the whole armor on and we shall arrive where Christ has gone. O Lord, increase my faith and hope,
When foes and fears prevail,
And bear my fainting spirit up,
Or soon my strength will fail. I mean to contend for that faith that was once delivered to the saints. We find that the Holy Ghost would guide them into all truth and show them things to come, and so it will be now if we keep all of God's commandments and ask in faith nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea. Let us be faithful to God. I will strive to meet you in the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If any of the preachers come this way I would like to have them call on me. S. H. HOLDEN.
North Leverett, Mass.