Confession and Entire Submission
By H. W. Lawrence
Bro. Smith: Permit me to say a few words to the saints. For more than two years I have made but little public effort, and now at this late hour begin to see how I have dishonored God and grieved the church by my unguarded conversation and lack of a preparation to fulfill any place in the church, especially that of a teacher, being blinded by unbelief, and destitute of entire submission to the will of God. I am now sorry that I have ever felt to complain of chastisement from the Lord, and reproof received from faithful brethren, who knew more about the "mind of the Spirit," and my own destitute condition than I did myself. I regret my many moves in my own strength, also the way I have justified and taken glory to myself when I have witnessed some tokens for good. I have failed to bear rightly the responsibility resting upon me in the little church here at home; and as some have moved to the West, I wish to ask their forgiveness, as well as the forgiveness and prayers of all in every place where I have failed to manifest the "fruits of the Spirit. I hope no more to abuse the "long suffering of God" that now waits a little for blind, erring, lukewarm Laodiceans to repent and let the Spirit of Jesus have entire possession once more. Dear brethren, I will try in the strength of Jesus to lay down my life once for all, that I may gain eternal life. H. W. Lawrence.