Final Appeal for the Annual Offering by W. T. Knox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 17, 1914

Final Appeal for the Annual Offering

By W. T. Knox

THE year 1914 is about closed, a year that has, in its events, far overshadowed all others in the fearful happenings and terrible sufferings that have come upon a large portion of the human family. Four continents, with their teeming millions, are deeply affected by the greatest war in the history of the race. Far eclipsing the possible immediate effects upon the nations involved, is the question of what these things may mean to the inhabitants of the world in the light of prophecy. To the people of God, these days should call for the greatest consecration and activity in his service. Eternity is fast rushing upon us, and both for ourselves and for our fellow men there remains so much to be done before the coming of our Lord.

The terrible events of the day, in connection with the week of prayer, which marks the closing of the year, should cause every follower of Christ to ask himself if all has been done by him that should have been accomplished in the closing work of God. Doubtless no one is fully satisfied with his attainments in growth in grace, and as ever in the past, we must trust to the mercy of God, and cry to him to look not upon us, but upon the face of his Anointed. Our shortcomings will always condemn us, but our hope is in the abundant grace and merit of our Saviour. While this is true, it still remains a fact that the cause of God is calling to us in loud tones to be up and doing in these closing days of earth's history. Have we done all that we could to advance the cause of God? Have we given of our substance to his work in the past as we might? There is far greater need now for self-denying giving than ever before, and there remain but a few more days to us to make any improvement in our record for this year.

The last report from the Treasury Department of the General Conference revealed a shortage in the offerings for the year of $173,900.48. All will admit that the present conditions in Europe and all our mission fields necessitate that this amount shall be fully made up. We look to the Annual Offering on the closing Sabbath of the week of prayer to largely accomplish this, and with the urgent needs of the cause pressing upon us, we earnestly appeal to all for a most liberal offering upon this occasion. W. T. KNOX.