Sister Claflin’s Testimony
By Lavinia Claflin
BRO. WHITE: I esteem it a privilege to cast in my mite on the Lord's side. I love the Lord and want to tell it to the world. It is now ten months since I first heard Bro. Steward proclaim the truth of this message. I thought it a strange doctrine; but I studied my Bible and found these things so. It was a long time before my wicked heart would bow before God's holy truth. When I had become almost persuaded to be a Christian, Bro. Steward preached on the subject of idols; that it was the duty of all who loved the Lord to give up their coffee, tea, and tobacco. Oh what a blow was this! I who had been a slave to my pipe and tobacco for nearly thirty years, from infancy almost, and tea all my life, could I give them up? My health had been very poor for a number of years, and some of my friends advised me not to give them up; for they thought I could not live through it; but I made up my mind that in the strength of Israel's God, I would give them up and worship the only true and living God; and I can now ascribe glory, honor, praise and power, to him who has given me the victory. I have found a balm in Gilead. I have found a Physician there. My health is much improved. My mind clearer, and I am determined to use all my ransomed powers to obey my Heavenly Father's commands. Pray for me, that I be not again entangled in the yoke of bondage. Yours, waiting for Christ.