C. LAWTON by C. Lawton

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1859

C. LAWTON

By C. Lawton

From Sister Lawton.

BRO. SMITH: While reading the communication from Bro. Welcome on holiness, in the Review, I felt my desponding heart somewhat cheered, and my faith in a measure strengthened. For some time I have felt oppressed with a sense of the impurity of my heart. I have known by blest and happy experience what it is to live in the enjoyment of this great blessing. I then could say that Christ was all the world to me, and all my heart was love. The rest I then enjoyed in God, the sweet peace and quiet of soul, I cannot express. I felt I then rested under the especial protection of my Heavenly Father. Even the thought of his keeping power, and the joy and peace I then enjoyed, sends a thrill of joy through my heart while I write. O how I long again to be folded in the arms of the great Shepherd, and through faith in Christ feel that I have victory over all my indwelling foes, and enjoy a rest from inbred sin. Much of the time for more than a year, I have gone with my head bowed down, mourning over my imperfectness and yet much of the time panting after holiness; and at times thinking I had almost gained the victory; but through unbelief or some other device of the enemy, I have been defeated. O how long shall the enemy of my soul hold me in bondage? When shall his cruel power be broken? O that just now I could escape from his snare, and by faith enter the Canaan of perfect love! O let me, though unworthy, ask an interest in the prayers of you, my brethren and sisters, who are feasting on the bounty of heaven; you that have power with God in prayer; that by living, active faith can claim his promises; let me entreat you to present my case before God that I may speedily be delivered from the bondage under which I groan, and rejoice again in a full and free salvation.

Dear brethren and sisters, write much on this subject. Without holiness all the energies are crippled. Let all the members in the Advent ranks enjoy entire consecration, and with the Bible truths they advocate, they would exert a most powerful influence until the church comes pure. Without it I cannot see how God can work in power in our midst; and certainly without holiness we never shall see God in peace. Let those who can, write from experience, and it will strengthen and encourage those who are seeking this blessing. There may be those who are seeking this blessing, that need some one to take them by the hand and lead them into the pool.

O how I enjoyed Bro. Welcome's piece! I devoured it as eagerly as one that was starving with hunger. O then preach it, write it, live it, and God grant that the leaven may work until the whole church is leavened.

Yours striving to overcome,

C. LAWTON

W. Winfield, N. Y., Jan. 2d, 1859.