Striving for Holiness and Victory
Bro. J. L. Hakes writes from East Winsted, Ct., Oct. 31st, 1857. "It is about a year since I began to serve the Lord by keeping his commandments; and I have found them my delight. Although I have made many crooked paths, and done many things which I ought not to have done, I still feel sure that I shall be enabled through the grace which is in Christ Jesus, to overcome all my faults, and stand among the blood washed throng, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. I covet that holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. But I must strive lawfully, and the victory will be mine. I feel like laying all on the altar, and striving anew for the faith once delivered to the saints. Truly we are 'bought with a price.' When I think how much our dear Saviour has suffered, that poor, sinful creatures as we are might have eternal life, I feel like crying aloud, we are not worthy of the least favor. When I think of myself in particular, my deep sinfulness I feel like crying, Lord be merciful to me a sinner.' I have had some trials to encounter by sickness, but I feel that they have been for my profit."