Striving for the Kingdom
By Marcia S. Avery
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We are still striving for the kingdom, in Locke. The truth is yet dear to us, and precious to our souls. Bro. Case left here a few days since. He tarried with us three days, and presented the truth so clear, that a child might comprehend it. The house was well filled with attentive hearers.—The interest to hear the truth is increasing around us. There are more that seem desirous to hear the third angel's message, and have sent an invitation, for Bro. Case to deliver a course of lectures in their town.—They appear deeply interested in the message, and I trust they will yet become firmly established in the commandments of God, and the faith of his Son. It does my soul good to hear others inquiring the way to the golden City. O what a glorious home is prepared for those who love God, and obey his law. O that I could love him enough,—that I could serve him better. Often when I look at my own heart, and behold its imperfections, I can but say, unclean, unclean. I know that I must be pure and perfectly holy, or I can never enter that peaceful rest. God cannot look upon sin with allowance, and I often think, "Shall such a worthless worm as I,
Who sometimes am afraid to die,
Be found at thy right hand." But I am striving daily to overcome every unholy passion and to "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." What precious promises for those that overcome, are recorded in the Word. O should we not be willing to deny ourselves of worldly and vain pleasures, and suffer anything, for the sake of him who died for us. "If we suffer we shall also reign with him, and "if we confess him before men, he will also confess us before his Father." Should we not love that Being in whom we confide, on whom our all depends. May we all prove faithful to the end; and at last receive the promise, even eternal life.
MARCIA S. AVERY.
Locke, Mich., July, 1853.