p. 19 | Washington, D. C by J. S. Washburn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1903

Washington, D. C.

By J. S. Washburn

We would assure all our people who have realized the call of Washington as a great opportunity, and have responded so liberally, that the Washington church appreciates the gift, and the great responsibility that comes with it. The following resolutions were unanimously passed Sabbath, February 7:—

“Whereas, The Memorial Seventh-day Adventist church in Washington, D. C., has received much help from the friends in the United States, outside of the capital city, therefore,—

“Resolved, That we express our sincere thanks to God, who has moved upon the hearts of believers in the third angel’s message to establish a memorial of the saving truth for this time in the nation’s capital; and,—

“Whereas, It is of the utmost importance that the memorial church be absolutely free from all debt, therefore,—

“Resolved, That we as a church pledge ourselves to do all in our power to clear this church at once from all indebtedness; and while deeply grateful to our brethren who have enabled us to much more than meet the decisive payment due February 2, we earnestly request their co-operation in a determined effort immediately to raise the remaining amount due on this church, and thus establish in the heart of the nation a FREE memorial, rightly representing the everlasting gospel of the kingdom, that from this church may be proclaimed to the men of the nation the truth that makes free indeed; and that thus from this city, set upon a hill, may be published abroad the coming of Him who brings the eternal, the glorious liberty of the sons of God.”

The praise meeting that followed was one never to be forgotten. Not only had God helped us in a very remarkable way financially, but above all, the Holy Spirit, with its tender influence, was wonderfully revealed, convincing of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment now already begun and soon to be manifested. The solemn, terrible responsibility that had been realized in a measure before, but now much more because of the trust reposed upon us by the donations, the sympathies, the prayers of our brethren in the field,—this solemn responsibility pressed upon us, and brought the closest heart searching. We realized that we had come to the kingdom for such a time as this, and that if we altogether held our peace, then there should enlargement and deliverance arise from another quarter, but that we should be destroyed.

We are sure that in every way this investment will prove a great blessing to the work. Those who give will receive the greatest blessing; for “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Seven thousand nine hundred dollars yet remains to be paid on the church. Two brethren—one in Massachusetts, the other in Maryland—have each given one hundred dollars. “A friend” gave $144.34. A sister has donated five hundred dollars. A few more such donations and all will be paid, and our people will have manifested not only their faith, but will have established in the capital

city the credit of our work in a way that will prove invaluable. We are very thankful for the donations, but we are still hoping that some one will be glad to invest one thousand dollars in this enterprise of national importance. We are certain that those who wish to have a part in this work must hasten; for the work will surely be cut short. The crisis is very near; “the ends of the world are come” upon us.

J. S. WASHBURN.