LETTERS by D. T. Shireman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 3, 1863

LETTERS.

By D. T. Shireman

“Then they that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another.”

From Bro. Shireman.

BRO. WHITE: It is with a desire to glorify the Lord, that I now write a few lines. We have great reason to rejoice for the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us. We have had a lonely time since we moved to this place, until a few months ago, when Bro. Cornell came to this town to give a course of lectures. There have quite a number come out here to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

We have meetings every Sabbath, and try to encourage each other on the way to Mount Zion. O that we may rely upon the strong arm of Jehovah as we should. If we do so, and perform every known duty, we shall have the approving smiles of God. O what a joy in the thought of having the Lord to smile upon us. If he is for us, who can be against us?

Through his assisting grace we shall be able to overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Again, what precious promises are written in God’s word for those that overcome. Let us strive to gain new victories every day.

“The battle’s almost o’er, The race is nearly run.”

When our hearts are cleansed and made pure by the blood of Jesus, there is written upon them such love to God and man, that it cannot be expressed. We can just begin to realize here below, how delightful a life of love is. How sweet is love of brethren and sisters in Christ! How delightful is communion with each other! And it is a great blessing to know that the time is soon coming that we shall, if faithful, meet to part no more. Soon the kind Shepherd will come to gather his scattered flock within the fold, to go out no more. Oh, that we could but realize as we should the solemn time in which we are living, for truly when we look around upon the world and behold the strife and commotion among the nations, we cannot fail to see that the final crisis of this world’s drama is just upon us; and in view of these solemn times, how careful we should live, in order to stand the trying scenes that are coming upon the earth. Let us separate ourselves from the world. Let us strive to overcome. Let us be willing to suffer persecution for the truth’s sake, and be willing to have our names cast out as evil. As the poet says,

“Let the world cast out my name, And vile account me, if it will; If to confess the Lord be shame, I purpose to be viler still. For thee, my God, I all resign, Content, if I can call thee mine.”

Yours in hope of eternal life. D. T. SHIREMAN. West Union, Iowa.