Sister McClure’s Testimony
By Lucinda S. McClure
Bro. Smith: I feel to praise the Lord greatly for his wonderful mercy towards me. My errors have been many. I often wonder at the long forbearance and loving kindness which have brought me to see my true position. I feel to cry out, Lord what am I that thou art mindful of me. I have been for many years a professor of religion; but the Bible had been so obscured by traditions and mysticism that its great truths have been hidden from my understanding. It has seemed a volume of inconsistencies, the right way hard to find. In this condition the present truth found me two years ago. By degrees it has found its way into my heart. I am convinced that the seventh day is the true Sabbath, God's holy day; that the third angel's message is now sounding, and soon we shall behold the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven. I am fully resolved to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; counting the world but dross that I may win Christ. There are a few here striving to overcome. The seasonable visit of the messengers to this place is an evidence of the Lord's care for his humble sincere followers. The church was greatly strengthened, encouraged and confirmed by Bro. Bates who expounded the word more perfectly, in all patience meekness and love, giving us meat in due season, administering the ordinances of baptism, washing of feet and the Lord's supper. He shewed us just where we stood in the third angel's message, pointed us back to the termination of the 2300 hundred days, and then bid us set our faces as flints toward the heavenly city which we are seeking. Many who heard him confessed the truth of his teachings; still they refuse to obey, regardless of their future fate. It seems strange they can turn a deaf ear to facts so plain and important. But as it was in the days of Noah so will it be in the end of the world. My heart is often cheered by the comforting exhortations of brethren scattered abroad. I can sympathise with their trials and difficulties for I have many to contend with. I feel my responsibility. But if I so live as to be able to claim God's promises, all will be well. He has promised to be the widow's God and a father to the fatherless. I know I must be diligent in all things, spiritual as well as temporal, having oil in my vessel and my lamp trimmed and burning. The Lord will soon come and will not tarry. Brethren and sisters pray for me that I may be found ready with all commandment keepers to enter into the joy of our Lord and be forever with him. Yours in the hope of eternal life Keystone, Mich. Nov. 15th 1859.