p. 395 | D. T. SHIREMAN by D. T. Shireman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1868

D. T. SHIREMAN

By D. T. Shireman

From Bro. Shireman.

DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have again seated myself to write a few lines for the REVIEW. I feel thankful that we have such a paper. It seems to me sometimes, that I can hardly wait till sixth-day morning to see what good tidings it will bring. It cheers me up by its weekly visits. I feel that it is necessary that we take pains to read it; it will stir us up in this solemn time. Dear brethren and sisters, do we realize that our probation is fast drawing to a close? Time is short; signs are fast fulfilling; what is done must be done soon. Our wrong habits must be corrected, and good ones formed, in order to be prepared to associate with holy angels of God; and it is also necessary for us to have our influence on the side of truth, every moment of our lives. Do we ever stop and think that the greater part of those we have to do with, will not be prepared to stand the trying day? Have our actions been right upon all points? I fear not. In view of the solemn truth, let us mend our pace; strive harder to overcome, and live consistent with our faith. I know that in our own strength we can never overcome, but if we will strive to live the truth, the Lord will help us. He will not leave us nor forsake us in time of trouble. It will not answer for us to only be aroused at our Sabbath meetings or public gatherings; but we must carry the same spirit to our homes, to our trades, and our labors of the week. Satan's deceptions are increasing in the land, and we should increase in spirituality from day to day. This standing at the same place in our spiritual life from month to month, will never answer; it will never land us in the haven of rest. Then let us awake out of our lukewarm condition. Let us humble ourselves before God, so that he may raise us up in due time. We need not expect to go through in the ease and pleasure of this world; neither will we be able to go through without trials; but if the presence of the Lord is with us, we need not fear. Praise the Lord, his promises are yea, and amen. Heaven will be cheap enough at every sacrifice. Yes, our light afflictions shall work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. We can live out these precious truths, and need not feel ourselves in bondage. The truth will make us free indeed. Oh! let us seek for more of the Spirit of our Saviour. He was meek and lowly. Let us not live as though we believed that there were no others going to embrace these precious truths; but let us walk out by faith and good works, and let our light shine out in this dark night of error, that when our work is done here, and our Lord returns, he may say unto us, Well done, faithful servants, enter into the joy of thy Lord. May this be our happy lot, is my prayer.

Yours in hope.

D. T. SHIREMAN

Anamosa, Iowa, May 24, 1868.