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C. M. SHEPARD

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 14.

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C. M. SHEPARD

By C. M. Shepard

From Sr. Shepard.

BRO. SMITH: I wish to say a few words to the praise of the Lord for what he has done for me. The point of which I wish to speak more particularly is the reform dress. Being a teacher in a public school in the city, I had fears of losing my situation if I adopted a style of dress so peculiar and unpopular, and in case I lost it I did not know but my family might suffer want. Then I reflected on the dealings of God with me in the past. When I have fearlessly walkedout by faith to do what I knew was right, the Lord has always been with me, and not forsaken me; but when the fear of man has governed me, my course has been unsteady, and disastrous consequences have followed.
The health reform is a part of the third angel's message, and the reform dress is an important part of the health reform. Being satisfied of this, and knowing that the Lord is no respecter of persons, I concluded that he was just as willing that I should enjoy its blessings as that his other daughters should. So faith took the place of fear. With satisfaction I lift the cross, following Jesus, and I feel that as I lift the cross the cross lifts me. Yes, my sisters, ours is a high and holy calling. Can we not all choose to wear a style of dress approved of Heaven, and be very thankful for it? Oh! how good the Lord is. I believe he is leading us as much as if I could see the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night. This work can be no other but the work of God. Step by step, higher and higher he is leading us. I will not, dare not, falter; I must go through. I must see the heavenly Canaan, and dwell there.
But we have many precious promises for this life, all on conditions of obedience; if we seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.
My neighbors and friends were displeased and sorry to see me wearing this dress, and were sure that I should not get the school again. But the Board of Education voted me the school again for the coming year. To the Lord be all the praise. I know that it is because he rules that I am permitted to live here as I do. I hope he will enable me to walk humbly before him. I want my brethren and sisters to pray for me and my children, that we may not be overcome of evil, but be overcomers continually.

C. M. SHEPARD

Dodge Co., Wis.