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My Sins Rose as High as a Mountain (Singing)
John Lawley
John Lawley (1859–1922) was an English preacher and a prominent figure in The Salvation Army, rising to the rank of Commissioner, the second-highest appointed rank in the organization. Born on December 31, 1859, in Foulden, Norfolk, he was the youngest of four children of John Lawley, a farm laborer, and Anne Feetham. His early life was marked by poverty—his father’s heavy drinking led the family to the Swaffham workhouse by 1871—before they relocated to Bradford seeking work. There, young John labored in a mill as a bobbin ligger and engine cleaner until a transformative encounter with William Booth in 1877, when The Salvation Army was still The Christian Mission, led him to join as an evangelist at age 18. In 1887, he married Captain Harriett Charteris in Cardiff, a ceremony officiated by Booth, and they had five children: John, Florence, Herbert, Evangeline, and Oswald. Lawley’s preaching career was distinguished by his innovative and unrestrained style, serving as aide-de-camp to General William Booth from 1890 to 1912 and to General Bramwell Booth from 1912 to 1921. Known for dramatic flair—once diving from a platform to swim the “sea of God’s love” on the floor, or shredding a songbook to depict the Devil’s work—he captivated audiences across Britain and beyond. His ministry began with his first gospel song in 1879 at Jarrow, and by 1916, he had contributed 19 songs to the Salvation Army Song Book. Appointed to accompany Booth after Catherine Booth’s death in 1890, Lawley traveled globally, leading prayer meetings and campaigns with a focus on soul-winning. He died on September 9, 1922, leaving a legacy as a creative, fervent preacher whose biography, Commissioner Lawley (1924) by Minnie Lindsay Rowell Carpenter, highlights his role in making The Salvation Army accessible to the masses.
Sermon Summary
John Lawley shares a heartfelt message about the overwhelming love of the Savior, who sacrificed everything to save sinners. He emphasizes the joy of salvation, illustrating how one's name can rise high like a mountain, symbolizing the grace and redemption found in Christ. The sermon encourages believers to celebrate their salvation with joy and gratitude, recognizing the promise of eternal life and a heavenly home.
Sermon Transcription
I've heard all the Saviour's love was strong. He loved poor sinner like me. He turned his back on the glory I sprung, so save poor sinner like me. The angels they sang him from glory. I'm glad they told me the story. He sang from life, so suffer and die and save poor sinner like me. Now everybody help me with the chorus and clap your hands with all the joy and soul you have. My name rose up high as a mountain. They all disappeared in the fountain. He put my name down for a palace and crown. Let me get there, I pray.
My Sins Rose as High as a Mountain (Singing)
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John Lawley (1859–1922) was an English preacher and a prominent figure in The Salvation Army, rising to the rank of Commissioner, the second-highest appointed rank in the organization. Born on December 31, 1859, in Foulden, Norfolk, he was the youngest of four children of John Lawley, a farm laborer, and Anne Feetham. His early life was marked by poverty—his father’s heavy drinking led the family to the Swaffham workhouse by 1871—before they relocated to Bradford seeking work. There, young John labored in a mill as a bobbin ligger and engine cleaner until a transformative encounter with William Booth in 1877, when The Salvation Army was still The Christian Mission, led him to join as an evangelist at age 18. In 1887, he married Captain Harriett Charteris in Cardiff, a ceremony officiated by Booth, and they had five children: John, Florence, Herbert, Evangeline, and Oswald. Lawley’s preaching career was distinguished by his innovative and unrestrained style, serving as aide-de-camp to General William Booth from 1890 to 1912 and to General Bramwell Booth from 1912 to 1921. Known for dramatic flair—once diving from a platform to swim the “sea of God’s love” on the floor, or shredding a songbook to depict the Devil’s work—he captivated audiences across Britain and beyond. His ministry began with his first gospel song in 1879 at Jarrow, and by 1916, he had contributed 19 songs to the Salvation Army Song Book. Appointed to accompany Booth after Catherine Booth’s death in 1890, Lawley traveled globally, leading prayer meetings and campaigns with a focus on soul-winning. He died on September 9, 1922, leaving a legacy as a creative, fervent preacher whose biography, Commissioner Lawley (1924) by Minnie Lindsay Rowell Carpenter, highlights his role in making The Salvation Army accessible to the masses.