C. LAWTON by C. LAWTON

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 5, 1868

C. LAWTON

By C. LAWTON

From Sr. Lawton.

BRO. SMITH: Never, before the present time, has the last great work of probation rested with such solemn weight upon my mind. The very mention of the word ought to stir the depths of our hearts. What an interesting, and yet fearful, time in which we live. Could we be permitted to witness the interest which is manifested in Heaven for us probationers, we might be aroused to a greater sense of our danger, and to make a wise improvement of time. Oh! how fast its precious moments fly. The solemn work of the last message of mercy is fast closing up. How is it with us, brethren and sisters? Do we realize that we are living in the day of atonement, when we should afflict our souls? and that this is an individual work? Each case must pass separately in the Judgment. If our sins are not confessed and forsaken, we shall not find mercy, but our names will be erased from the book of life. Oh! the thought of losing eternal life. Will we let it so easily go? Would we not resist unto blood? yea give up our lives? for this is nothing in comparison with eternal life? And yet how many will give it up for some sinful indulgence of the appetite? Oh! the love of self, and the world! Is it too great a sacrifice to give up these for eternal life? Put them in the balance and see which will weigh the heavier; or, place them side by side and draw a comparison between the loss and gain. What folly! Yet how many that profess to believe the truths of the third angel, and that we are living near the close of probation, are still clinging to their idols. Their love of self very much exceeds their love to God, and many are so in the dark they do not even see that this is the case with them. Fearful state to be in! O Lord, awake thy slumbering people.

When our wills are lost in the will of God, and it becomes as great a grief to us should we cross his will as it is now a pleasure to have our own way, we shall find it much easier to suffer with Christ, and to walk the narrow way; but this will never be brought about so long as we allow self to have dominion over us, and, by repeated acts of self-indulgence, nourish and strengthen its power. But we have got to engage in the work of self-crucifixion in a manner that will show we are in earnest, and with the apostle Paul, “die daily,” “keep the body under,” “make no provision for the flesh,” but live to glorify God in our bodies and spirits. Although it is a greater work to conquer self than to take a city, nevertheless it must be done if we would stand with the remnant on Mt. Zion. Let us cut loose from self and the world, and make a full surrender of all to God, and the work will be accomplished. When we get so we worship God more from love, not so much from fear, we shall find it much easier living, and our worship far more acceptable.

Brethren and sisters, let us gird on the whole armor, fight valiantly for our Master, and we will soon lay down our armor at his feet, and with his own hand a crown of life will be placed upon our heads.

C. LAWTON

Adams Center, Jeff. Co., N. Y.