LUCINDA S. MCCLURE by Lucinda S. McClure

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1868

LUCINDA S. MCCLURE

By Lucinda S. McClure

From Sr. McClure.

BRO. SMITH; I would say to those who are striving for a home in the earth made new, that I am still trying to gain an inheritance there. This earth can give no real enjoyment. All is transitory; and those who have no hope beyond, find an aching void that can never be filled, even by the best enjoyments it can afford. And if our hope reaches no further, how miserable, indeed, we must be. For one, I am resolved to lay all upon the altar, and endeavor to consecrate myself wholly to God. What are all the afflictions that we can suffer here in comparison with the rich reward. Though my errors have been many, and I have not deserved his favor, he permits me to enjoy his blessings continually, and is very merciful to me and mine; in view of which I feel constrained, by the help of God, to make haste to eradicate everything from my heart that does not strictly accord with his holy teachings. I am trying to live up to all the reforms as fast as possible. I view them as great blessings to aid us in the great work of overcoming. I feel truly thankful for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which is another great help to God's erring people, by which he manifests his care for us. “For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth,” &c. Heb. xii, 6–11. And while testimonies are given to some, all may receive and be benefited by them. While my brother or sister is receiving the chastening rod, so kindly given, it may be just what I need also. I want to be scourged and cleansed from all my sins, that I may be ready and waiting when my Lord comes. How pleasant then to meet all God's host, where will be those we love, and the scattered ones, whom we have not been permitted to see in the flesh, but many whose testimonies in the papers have so often cheered us on our heavenward journey. God is testing his people, and if we have not a living experience for ourselves, sooner or later we shall be left; and that, perhaps, ere we are aware of it. I feel that I have much to do to get ready.

Yours hoping for eternal life,