C. LAWTON by C. Lawton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 18, 1869

C. LAWTON

By C. Lawton

From Sister Lawton.

BRO. SMITH: While reading Bro. Cottrell's remarks on the fall of Babylon, and Bro. Bourdeau's report, I felt my heart stirred anew to the great work just before us. When I look back and see how gently God has led his people in a way they knew not, and how plainly their way in the future is marked out, even so that we can see clear through to the haven of eternal rest, the thought that that rest is so near, sends a thrill of joy to my heart, while I feel to exclaim with David, “Oh! that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.” But while I rejoice in the clear light which is shining over present truth, I rejoice with trembling; for it seems to me that the present time is fraught with the greatest dangers to the church ever known. The state the church would be in just before the loud cry, we find clearly pointed out in Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, the time of shaking; and who can doubt we are living in this very time? Our salvation depends on the work we have to do. No doubt if we see ourselves in the light as we should, we shall look on the work as a great work, which will take some time to accomplish; therefore the importance of not delaying the work. And then if we are not thorough, but rest satisfied with a surface work, what will it avail us? Why, nothing, only condemnation. Oh! then how dangerous to neglect this little space of time left for the church to prepare for the latter rain. We shall be without excuse if found wanting. Satan knows very well the great work which is to be done to fit God's people for the loud cry. He knows, also, that his time is short, therefore his great vigilance in exerting his power to hinder this work as long as he can, that he may win souls. He is an arch deceiver. It requires a deep experience in spiritual things to understand his devices, and strong faith in God to resist his influence. Many will lose eternal life for the want of this experience, which must be obtained through consecration to God, dying to the world and self, maintaining watchfulness and much secret prayer. Satan knows that as long as he can keep the mind absorbed in world and self, his object is gained. He has no warfare with such. It is with those who are struggling for the victory that he contends. Oh! the power of the enemy, how strong. All are in great danger, but more especially the youth. The world holds out attractions for them, which it does not for those more mature in life and experience. Remember, dear youth, you are on enchanted ground. The enemy will lead you captive. He will draw the veil of deception over your eyes. He will bring over you a spirit of lethargy and lukewarmness, so you cannot sense your danger; wrap you all up in the cloak of self-security, and you will go on self-deceived, until aroused by the wrath of God, which will be poured out without mixture of mercy, in the seven last plagues. But this need not be your case, if you will arouse yourselves, and struggle mightily for the victory, by overcoming the world, the flesh, and Satan, and give yourselves wholly to God in a covenant never to be broken. Angels will come to your help. Oh! do not sell eternal life but get so filled with the love of Christ, that there will be no room for any intruder. Get your eye fixed by faith, on the eternal inheritance, that your heart may become ravished with the glories of the upper world, and this will lose its attraction. Lord, help the youth, is my prayer, and hasten on the work of preparation for the latter rain, that we may receive of the refreshing, and finally with the redeemed enter through the gates into the city.

C. LAWTON

Adams Center, N. Y.