Untitled article by Lydia Jane Shaw

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 19, 1867

From Sister Shaw.

By Lydia Jane Shaw

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would improve upon the privilege that is granted to us through the columns of the Review, of speaking often one to another. I have not been so long silent for want of interest in the cause of present truth, but from a feeling of incompetence; but the weakest have a duty to do, and I feel that my whole heart is in this work. And how sweet to be allowed to do little services for Jesus. How blessed it is to have such a mighty friend who is interested in all that pertains to our good, to whom we can carry all our cares and perplexities, and joys and sorrows, and feel that he never is weary of listening to the wants of even the least of his children; but I do feel to rejoice for the light that God has given to shine upon my pathway, and I find it a delight to walk therein. I believe it is our privilege and duty to know our acceptance daily, and to have a daily experience, and I do want to be wholly consecrated to the service of my Lord and Master, that I may have clean hands and a pure heart when the Lord comes to make up his jewels, that it may be said to me, Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many.

The prospect cheers my heart to-day, and I feel his love down deep in my soul, and can say I love God, his law, and his people, and with them I hope to be able to go up and possess the goodly land. How cheering the hope which buoys the fainting heart above this cold, dark world of selfishness and sin, and points to the hour of Jesus' coming to take his waiting ones to himself.

Here I would acknowledge the gratitude I feel for the privileges I have been permitted to enjoy during the past few months. I have formed many pleasing acquaintances, and enjoyed many precious seasons which will long be remembered. And what pleasure do I take in my lonely moments thinking of those with whom I have from time to time become acquainted, and think of the blessed seasons I have enjoyed with them, and to feel that the lone and tried ones are ever remembered by the church, and it fills my heart to overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessings he is bestowing upon me. But God's word assures us that if we trust in him he will withhold no good thing from those that walk uprightly. My trust is in him, and I feel determined by his grace to strive to press my way through to the kingdom.

Yours, striving to overcome. LYDIA JANE SHAW.

Wyoming Co., N. Y.