Now Is the Time by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 1, 1906

Now Is the Time

By I. H. Evans

It has already been decided that one hundred and fifty thousand dollars shall be raised, as soon as possible, to be distributed to various countries for institutional work. Taken as a whole, this is a large sum of money; but when apportioned among sixty thousand people, it is but a small sum for each.

A united people is a strong people. That is why an army is stronger than the same men disorganized. In unity the strength of each is accentuated by the strength of all the rest.

In the Christian church we have great battles to fight, and every soldier of the cross needs to be ready for action. All can not fill the same place. Some must be in the rank and file with weapons of warfare ready for service; some must be lieutenants, others captains, and so on to the general ordering the campaign. The general, with all his staff of officers, could not win the battle alone. The infantry and cavalry are absolute essentials for success. Nor can the soldiery alone win the battle. There must be those to direct, and those who gladly respond to directions.

Much depends on time in all great events. It is said that Napoleon lost Waterloo because he hesitated opening the battle on account of a big storm. Many a battle has been won with a small force because the attacking party moved with great rapidity, throwing the enemy into confusion. The wise man says, “There is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Eccl. 3:1.

When the council in Washington decided to raise the one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, much time was given to the consideration of the time when we should begin the effort to raise this money. The consensus of opinion was that we should begin now. Some suggested waiting till after the holidays; but the council, after giving due consideration to all that was said both pro and con, agreed to begin the raising of this money at the earliest possible moment.

Looking at it from a human standpoint, we may ask, When can there be a more opportune time than now for this great work? Prosperity is on every hand. Crops are generally good beyond comparison; wages are high; labor is in good demand. Perhaps since the Civil War there has never been such a wonderful, widespread prosperity as now. With this almost universal prosperity, is it not opportune to undertake to do something definite and great for the cause of God?

Each union conference as well as each State conference will be free to set itself to work on this fund in such a way and at such time as the committee may elect.

We believe now is as good a time as we can hope to find for most of our people to contribute to this fund. Let each Seventh-day Adventist do his share, and do it now. One does not need to wait for a large meeting in which to give, but let each one of us do his duty.

I. H. EVANS.