China Asking Christian Prayers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 15, 1913

China Asking Christian Prayers

The most remarkable request that has ever come from any nation to any people was that which was recently made by the new Chinese government to the Christian people of the world that they unite in prayer for the prosperity and peace and progress of China. The request was made by Pres. Yuan Shi Kai. A day was set apart in the United States for meeting this request of the Chinese government, and wherever the appointment was remembered, these prayers for China's welfare were gladly offered. This is the China (though not the same form of government) that a few years ago was hounding the Christian missionaries out of China, sacrificing those who fell into the hands of their enemies, and putting to death large numbers of her own subjects who had accepted Christianity. That there should be such a change in so short a space of time is nothing less than marvelous. It is an indication of the mighty working of God to the end that “this gospel of the kingdom” may be quickly preached in that densely populated country. It is an indication of a great change in the sentiments of a large body of the Chinese people toward the Christians. The Lord is opening the way before his ambassadors in all the world that a quick work may be accomplished and an end be put to the tragedy of sin. Such a request from such a source should cause our people to recognize as never before the hand of God in the preparation of this world for the giving of the message.