Reminiscences of an Aged Laborer by D. T. SHIREMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1907

Reminiscences of an Aged Laborer

By D. T. SHIREMAN

ALMOST fifty years ago Brethren Sperry and Hart held meetings in the State of Iowa, giving the solemn message of Revelation 14. Afterward some one spoke against their views, so they remained and gave a review of the discourses against them. That review was the first Seventh-day Adventist sermon I heard. Before they had spoken thirty minutes, I settled the question of the Sabbath. I went home and told my wife of the good news, and we kept the very next Sabbath, or at least three fourths of it. For three months we kept the Sabbath from midnight till midnight, not having had the light that the day begins at sundown. In a short time nine accepted the Sabbath. Most of that company are sleeping in Jesus.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Sister Mary Ann Graham Morrow, at Ligonier, Ind., now in her eightieth year, well preserved and strong in the message. As we looked back over the fifty years and saw the progress of the message, the fulfilling of the prophecies connected with these solemn truths, our hearts were filled with gratitude. At that time the good old REVIEW and the Instructor were the only papers we had; the Good Health was next to be printed, then the Signs of the Times. We had no bound books, and only a few tracts. Now we have millions of pages of reading-matter scattered all over the world in many different languages. Then we spent the Sabbath from morning till night studying the Bible. Now the message is made so plain that any intelligent person can learn all these truths in a few weeks, while then it took us years to learn them. Yet, sad to think, the greater the light flashing onto the world, the darker the people of the world are getting, and the more hopeless is their case. The awful increase of crime is because they refuse the light, and the Spirit of God is leaving men. O how sad the thought, in a little while Satan will have the whole world deceived!

My hard-working days are past. I have done what I could in placing this truth in many different places, many times in deep poverty. My wife and six children are buried in five different burial places, many miles apart, waiting for the trumpet call. O blessed hope! We soon shall meet again with many before whom we have placed these precious truths. It would be a real comfort to me to hear from those who are still living and holding onto the message. The only way to keep alive in the truth is by giving it to others. To wear out is better than to rust out. Soon, yes, very soon, the work will close, and while the Lord gives me strength and health, it shall be used in helping the helpless and needy. I thank God for the blessed privilege I have had to work for him.

D. T. SHIREMAN.

Toluca, N. C.