p. 6 | EDITORIAL by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 13, 1914

EDITORIAL

By Editor

A Time to Pray

REPEATEDLY in the history of God's people, when they have been brought into strait and difficult places, they have sought the Lord in earnest intercession for help and deliverance. This was done many times by Israel of old in their wilderness wanderings and in their experiences in the land of Canaan. It was done by Ezra and Nehemiah when they undertook the work of building up Jerusalem. It was done by the church of the first century when persecution broke out against the believers. God heard the cry of his children, and many times wrought for their deliverance.

Before the coming of the Lord there will arise many times in the experience of this people exigencies similar to those which called forth earnest prayer on the part of the church in the past. Such an exigency we believe has now arisen. Embarrassing dangers threaten our work in Europe. The complex political embroilment existing on the Continent has arisen with unexpected swiftness. Conditions unparalleled in the history of the present generation exist.

We know not what a day may bring forth. We know not what may be the outcome of the war which has begun. We do know, however, that it is in direct fulfillment of the prophetic word that the closing days of earth's history should be filled with war and bloodshed.

This is not, as has been suggested by some, the war of Armageddon. It doubtless will prove contributory to it because every struggle that intensifies the feelings of the nations only prepares them for the last bitter struggle in which they will engage before the coming of the Lord. What changes will take place on the map of Europe no human mind can forecast or predict. There may be many changes before the end of human history.

That a general war in Europe, or war even between several of the leading states, will entail great distress goes without saying. Surely this is a time for prayer and for earnest supplication to the great Ruler of men that the strife may cease. We are exhorted to pray for kings and for those in authority. Let prayers arise in behalf of the rulers of the nations and their counselors that God may give them moderation; that he may give them wisdom in the settlement of every perplexing question; that so far as meets Heaven's purposes strife may cease or be greatly curtailed in its scope and influence.

Let us remember particularly our brethren and sisters in the European countries, that God will grant them great wisdom; that he will make for them a way of escape; that he will uphold their hands; and that he will send them deliverance in hours of darkness and distress. O, how good it is in the midst of turmoil and strife to realize that we have a living God, not an inert image of wood or stone, but a God who does things; who lives, and who reaches forth to succor and aid those who are suffering in behalf of his truth!

Whatever our nationality or natural preferences or circumstances, let us not be carried away by the spirit of strife. Let us make all combatants objects of prayer and subjects of Christian labor. The men and women of every nationality and under every flag are equally precious to the heart of God, and the gospel message that we bear to the world knows no boundaries, nor racial distinctions.

In these days of peril, let us keep calm and sober-minded. Let us be found often in prayer. Let us give much time to the study of the Word. From the altar of personal blessing let us go forth to minister God's grace to our fellows who know not its power.

F. M. W.