EXPERIENCE by D. T. Shireman

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 24, 1900

EXPERIENCE

By D. T. Shireman

It gives me pleasure to have the privilege of saying a few words through the REVIEW AND HERALD. From week to week for many years, and in the many places we have called home, the REVIEW has come to us laden with precious truth. It came to us when we were young and strong; and now, while age is making its marks upon us, it comes, a welcome messenger, telling us that the battle will soon be over. As we see the names that often appeared in its columns dropping out, we are reminded that we are in an enemy’s land; and as new names appear, may the same Spirit rest upon the writers that caused the pioneers of this message to write for its pages.

We receive many letters that fill our hearts with joy, and tell us that the writers have kept track of us these years, through the reports in the REVIEW written by us. No doubt many think it strange that we have changed our home so many times. Well, I will tell the reason. Many years ago, while we lived in Iowa, the Lord said to this people that families should move into cities and new places, and live the truth; and that, by a humble, godly life, the truth would be preached.

If each family had followed this word faithfully, where would we be to-day? Many cities would have been warned. One faithful family would have warned the largest city in the world since that time. The Lord pity us for doing so little. May our young men and women who are starting out in the cause realize the blessed advantages they have.

When we accepted the truth, no institutes were held for Bible workers and others; there were no camp-meetings, no Conferences, no houses of worship. No one thought of being paid for his preaching. Oh, that the Lord would raise up men and women, and so fill them with the spirit of the message, and of sacrifice, that they could not keep still, on account of the burden for the thousands who sit in darkness!

Do not be afraid of starving. There is no danger. It is true that we could tell you some of our experiences, when it seemed at times as if the wolf would get the upper hand. But when the Lord saw best, the needed blessing came. How glad we were that we had held on when all looked dark! We would not take a million worlds like this, and have settled down in one place, and perhaps had a few farms and a bank account. The souls that are to-day rejoicing in the truth are worth more to us than all the wealth of the rich in this world. The desire of our heart is to meet our Heavenly Father, and say, Here are the souls you have given us to share the joy of eternity with us.

I would say to our young people in this Southern field, Take hold of this work. Begin just where you are. First let the truth have its sanctifying effect on your own heart; then, with the love of God for poor, perishing souls, do what you find to do just where you are. Then we shall soon have a native ministry—workmen approved of God, burdened down with all they can do.

I began this to write a short report; but I see I have made a failure; but will let it go.

D. T. SHIREMAN.

Hildebran, N. C.