Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Henry Holcombe, DD – 1762-1824 – Going Home – PART TEN of TEN

Thomas E Kresal November 15 , 2019 Admin · 6 hrs

Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Henry Holcombe, DD – 1762-1824 – Going Home – PART TEN of TEN

It was not as a writer, but as a public speaker, that Dr. Holcombe’s talents were most availing. There was an indescribable something, not only in the matter, but in the manner of his preaching, which commanded and retained the attention, while he not only forced his words upon the ears, but his sentiments upon the hearts of his hearers. Without seeking the elegancies of composition, he rose to a surprising energy and ease of expression–gave forth his many thoughts in a clear, nervous diction, and when warmed with the subject, would lead his admiring audience the willing captives of his ardent rhetoric along with him to fasten on those transports with which genius and piety can supply the attentive mind.

On the 22d of May, 1824, after an illness of only one week, he took his departure hence, “to be with Christ, which is far better.” When a respite from oppression in breathing gave liberty of utterance, such expressions as the following fell from his lips: “I am in good hands.” “Oh, the sublime attainments of faith!” “It is all for the good of my soul.” “Oh, the prospects of faith!” Just before he breathed his last, and after he had become speechless, a brother asked him if he felt comfortable and happy, and requested him, if he did, to raise his hand in token of it. He immediately raised his hand–that hand with which he had so often pointed sinners to the Lamb of God–and then sank into the slumber of death.

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Mr. Holcombe before 1810, by Brown University.

Thomas E. Kresal from – J. H. Campbell, Georgia Baptists: Historical and Biographical, 1874, pp. 193

Note from Tom: The snow storm on the east side of WI held us up for a day. I choose not to drive in slippery conditions. My brothers funeral was very well attended – more than 2 hour line of people to pay their respects – he had touched many lives. I was given the opportunity during the service to give a short testimony about my brother.