34 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



As it was said of the Christ, to an extent it 

 might be said of Kev. Shepard, "The which, if 

 thej should be written every one/' to say the 

 least this book could not "contain" them. It 

 was while serving in this capacity he demon- 

 strated to the convention, other organizations, 

 and churches his great power as a Gospel preach- 

 er, as well as organizer. It was generally con- 

 ceded until the day of his death, that he was the 

 best preacher among Baptists of ^orth Caro- 

 lina. We do not make this statement as a fact, 

 but as a concession (while we state it in our 

 individual opinion as a fact). Ko man was 

 more extensively loved. His gentle spirit, his 

 unassuming carriage, his kindly demeanor, and 

 his universal interest, gave him that hold on 

 men that everywhere a very charitable feeling 

 was entertained for him. If this Sunday School 

 missionary had done no more than cement hearts 

 as he did, inspire lofty ideals, offer comfort, 

 cheer, and encouragement to the despairing, that 

 of itself would have given him a place in the 

 front ranks of Christ's soldiery. But hundreds, 

 yea, thousands, can recall some kind word or 

 deed of this man of God, which has been a step- 

 ping stone to their lives. 



