preface 



While the hope and destiny of every indi- 

 vidual is wholly dependent on the Divine 

 Providence, yet God often uses individuals to 

 shape the life and character of others in such 

 a way they become a blessing to the world about 

 them, and their end, everlasting life. 



The Gentile Apostle was stricken down on 

 his way to Damascus by the direct power of the 

 Almighty, but Ananias was God's agent in 

 pointing out to him the path in which he should 

 walk, and which finally led to the greatest mis- 

 sionary service the world has ever known. 



'No man in i^orth Carolina of the past gen- 

 eration has done more to shape the lives of 

 young men of the race than did this man of 

 God, the late Dr. A. Shepard. The writer of 

 this sketch is one of that number whose life, 

 in the important part of the formative period, 

 was very fortunately brought under his influ- 

 ence, and as a mere pittance in return of his 

 indebtedness, and profound gratitude, this brief 

 sketch is written and dedicated to his lifelong 

 and affectionate companion, Mrs. Hattie E. 

 Shepard. 



