CORNELIA LAWTON by Cornelia Lawton

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 10, 1857

CORNELIA LAWTON

By Cornelia Lawton

From Sister Lawton.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have felt of late that the time was near when God would pour out the fullness of his Spirit upon his people. I have seen also that there is a great work to be performed in our hearts. We must be pure in heart. Every Christian grace must be perfected, or we are unprepared to receive the gifts. Unless we are entirely consecrated to God, and are in his hands as clay in the hands of the potter, we should be exalted, and they would prove a curse instead of a blessing to us. Dear brethren and sisters, are we contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints? Are we putting forth every effort in our power to get out of this lukewarm state, and to get that holiness without which none shall see the Lord? Do we realize that it will take all to buy the gold? Have we examined our hearts to see if all is on the altar, if there is not a wedge of gold, or a Babylonish garment hidden away in our hearts? God will not save us until all is given up. Our hindrances will vary; some will have besetments that others will not; but if we lie passive in the hands of God, and desire above all things else to be pure and right, God will show us our faults and give grace to overcome.

I fear there is not that self-denial in the church that there should be. There is too much gratifying the carnal appetites. We think too much of our ease; we are not willing enough to crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts. I fear we do not humble ourselves by fasting and prayer. We are living in a time when Satan is putting forth his most powerful efforts to hinder and destroy all he can, and will we let him destroy us when all heaven is engaged to save us? God forbid. We must fight if we would reign. Let us bestir ourselves, and take no rest until we get the victory over this lukewarm state, and the abiding witness that the blessed Saviour has come into our hearts, and we can say of a truth, he sups with us, and we feast on his precious love. Glory to God for the gift of his Son.

The love of Christ is beyond expression. If we have it perfected in our hearts, it will set every wheel in motion. Will you delay, dear brethren and sisters? My heart goes out after you. We are all one family. I feel the same interest in your welfare as in my own, although it is an individual work, and each must strive for himself.

One year nearly, since the message to the Laodiceans was given. I feel that if there is not a coming up soon where God can use us in some way to carry forward his work, that while cases are being decided, many will be spued out of his mouth. O church of God, awake out of your slumber! Do not say, A little more sleep, a little more slumber, but make haste, arouse, shake off this lethargy, lest you sleep on until it is too late. The blessed Saviour stands knocking; rise and let him in.

As I afflict my soul, by denying myself, light and joy increases; and I am expecting a perfect victory through faith in the merits of Jesus.

Yours striving to overcome.

CORNELIA LAWTON

Winfield, N. Y.