p. 10 | Untitled article by C. M. SHEPARD

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 17, 1867

From Sister Shepard.

By C. M. SHEPARD

BRO. SMITH: As I am one of the lonely ones who live so far from others of like faith that I can seldom meet with them, I would add my testimony to theirs through the Review. I can say that I love the appearing of Jesus, the Christian’s faith, the commandments of God, and present truth as a whole. I think it is dearer to me than my life, and yet I have to confess that I am in a lukewarm condition. I am lacking in love to God, who has done so much for me. I wonder at my own ingratitude, and my unfaithfulness to my loving Father, who has watched over me for good. He has brought me out of deepest afflictions, and surrounded me with unmerited blessings, so that I can say with the Psalmist, “The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.” A heavy burden of care rests upon me, it is true, yet Jesus invites me to cast it upon him. When my heart is filled with the love of God, I have faith enough to do this, but I am weak, and do not continually realize as I ought where my strength lies. I feel that I must come up to the requirements of God and be more zealous in his service. The perilous situation we are in, calls for such zeal and earnestness as has never been called for before. I know what I want the most of anything. It is more secret prayer, more time spent in secret communion with God. In this way I can obtain a more thorough knowledge of myself, and of his will concerning me, get the complete armor on, and so overcome. What is there to hinder us from overcoming? Surely, there can be nothing so much as the sinfulness of our natures, and there is salvation with God for all this. I am often much encouraged by letters in the Review from brethren and sisters, especially those who are lonely, like myself. The last solemn admonition in Testimony, No. 13 has not had a tendency to discourage us, for we know that whosoever will, may come and partake of the waters of life freely.

I love the health reform in all its parts, and it proves a great blessing to us in many ways. The reform dress

I consider the most healthful, convenient, and best-looking style I ever saw, and it is with me a matter of rejoicing that there is to be a more marked distinction between us and the world than formerly. I am very thankful that Bro. and sister White are able again to go out into the harvest-field to labor, and I long to see the time when the third angel’s message shall be preached with power such as attended the midnight cry in 1844. I hope my brethren and sisters will pray for me and my family, that we may be kept from the evil influences of this city.

C. M. SHEPARD.

Dodge Co., Wis.