Worldly Prosperity and Spiritual Danger
By O. M. Shepard
SR. O. M. SHEPARD writes from Beaver Dam, Wis.: In times of worldly affliction and heart-rending trouble, the Christian is driven to the Lord for consolation and strength, and finds in Jesus the comfort which is denied from every other source. But worldly prosperity draws the mind away from heavenly things. When surrounded with worldly comforts and enjoying the society of those we love, how easy to forget the Giver of all good. I feel that I was never in so great danger of forsaking the Lord as now. When I was surrounded with trouble, I found it necessary to take considerable time for secret devotion, to obtain the strength that I needed to sustain me; but now, as I am surrounded with blessings, I need to have double the grace that I then required, or I shall be allured from following Jesus. The power of Satan is terrible, and he is never off his watch. But we have much at stake and cannot afford to run any risk. If we put forth every effort that is in our power we shall not fail, but shall win the prize, even “life everlasting.” We have of late been striving more zealously to repent and gain heavenly riches, and have felt that it was not in vain. Though separated from those of like faith, we have felt that Jesus was near and precious. We hope to be with the overcomers when they shall sing the victor’s song.