CATHARINE M. SHEPARD by Catharine M. Shepard

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

CATHARINE M. SHEPARD

By Catharine M. Shepard

From Sister Shepard.

BRO. WHITE: I feel like testifying in favor of the goodness of God. His grace has sustained me under the most trying circumstances. Satan has tried hard to drive me to despair, but I will not distrust my heavenly Father who hath said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." I firmly believe that a living faith in God's word and the testimonies of Jesus will guide us safely through the perils of these last days. O, it will be but little longer that we shall have to walk by faith, and I know that trials are necessary to purify us, and "all things work together for good to them that love God." I rejoice in the prospect of a soon coming Saviour, and am anxious to get ready to meet him.

It is a great thing to be so pure that we shall not speak an idle word, and sometimes I am afraid I shall come short at last. But my hopes are all centered in Jesus, the lovely Jesus, who gave his life for us. It is but a little that I can give up for him, or suffer for him, in comparison with what he has done for me. I want to know the fellowship of his sufferings, and be conformed to his will in all things. I feel that I must press on and eagerly strive for the immortal inheritance. Time is bearing us swiftly onward, and sometimes I can lift up my head and rejoice as I see we are nearing the port.

Yours in hope of an endless life.

CATHARINE M. SHEPARD

Trenton, Wis.