A Call to Renewed Faithfulness
From Bro. and Sr. Shireman.
BRO. WHITE: We wish to say to the brethren and sisters that we are striving to live out the truths of God's holy word. They look better and better to us every day. Although our experience during the past summer has been a dark and sad one, yet we rejoice that the Lord has permitted us to live until the present time. We can now see that our feet were almost gone, our steps had well nigh slipped, while passing through some severe trials. But we are glad to say to the brethren and sisters that the present truth is what we love and cherish, and that we believe that it will gather a people even in Iowa for the coming of Jesus, and we want to stand with them on Mount Zion. We want to take heed to the faithful and true Witness. We have been in a lukewarm state. We feel that we must arouse and be more engaged in the third angel's message. We want the gold that is tried in the fire, that we may be rich, and the white raiment that we may be clothed, and have the eye-salve that we may anoint our eyes so that we may see. We have learned this one thing, that by being in a lukewarm condition we have been in a position where Satan could work through us. We shall try by the grace of God to set a better example than we have the past eight months, and strive for a home in glory where there is no tempting enemy to separate those who have come up through great tribulation, and who shall dwell in that goodly land. Dear brethren we are now living in the perils of the last days. Dangers are increasing on every hand. We must have an experience of our own. We must dig deep, and remember to watch and to pray every moment, in order to be able to stand. The trials that we have to pass through will not come as we expect. Let us press together, seek holiness of heart, look for the return of our Lord, and he will save us. As the poet says, "Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted,
Watch for the glory of earth's coming King;
Lo, on the mountain-top light is now breaking,
Heir of the kingdom rejoice ye and sing."
Yours in hope,
D. T. & A. SHIREMAN.
Marion, Iowa, March, 10, 1866.