WEEK OF PRAYER by C. E. Sturdevant

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 22, 1901

WEEK OF PRAYER

By C. E. Sturdevant

KANKAKEE AND ST. ANNE, ILL.—I was in Kankakee from Friday evening until Thursday morning, December 22-27. The brethren were attentive to the readings, each attending the services as often as he could, and taking part in the meetings. I rejoiced greatly to find still walking in the truth several of my dear brethren and sisters whom I knew years ago; and I earnestly hope and pray that they will continue so to walk and to increase yet more and more in the love of God and the experimental knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. The heights thus far gained are still, as it were, the lowlands; for infinitely greater heights of holy living rise before us. Let us press onward and upward for the holiness—whole-in-ness—unto which we are called.

There are those in this company, as in almost every church, who are not free in the Lord. To these dear ones I would say: Courage in the Lord. “Strengthen the things which remain.” “Hold that fast which thou hast.” O brethren, let us arise and take a still firmer stand than ever before.

From the beginning, the spirit of love and tenderness seemed to be ruling, and earnest responses were given to each reading by those who bore testimony. Having been brought up a Methodist, I perhaps see more importance in each member’s taking a prompt and hearty part in the prayer and social meetings than do those who were trained differently; and although I would not insist on others doing as I do, yet I must think and teach that there is too little animation and spirit in all our devotions. Let songs revive, and praises resound in the courts of the Lord’s house. And in our homes let us all recognize God’s goodness daily, thanking Him in song for all He does for us.

My personal entertainment and benefits were most gratefully appreciated. At the home where I stayed at night, the sacred book of God was read morning and evening, in French, the selections being Psalms 27, 19, 103; Romans 5; Psalm 139; Habbakuk 2, and Psalm 91. The last evening of my stay in this home I was delighted to see the six-year-old grandson sitting by the side of his aged grandmother while she taught him of Jesus, and his birth and babyhood in Bethlehem. By seeing them turn the pages of “Christ Our Saviour,” and by the occasional mention of Bethlehem, I could tell what grandma was saying to the little lad, and as I saw her raise her hand and point upward at times, I thought, “She is pointing her grandchild to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” It was a pleasant picture.

ST. ANNE.—I arrived in St. Anne, Thursday, December 27, where I remained until Sunday afternoon, December 30. Here, also, I found a kind reception. My dear brethren and sisters of the French language spared no pains to make me feel at home, and received my efforts to help them, with grateful responses. I found them well organized in their meetings for the Week of Prayer, and a spirit of love and harmony was present. I did not allow my coming to break into their plans in any way. Sister Agnes Miller interprets with grace and readiness, and all were pleased to have her take a leading part in the work. I was asked to assist also, and they desired me to hold a special meeting each night, in addition to the regular reading from the Bulletin at 3 P. M. Two or three of the English tongue came in. I presented the “second coming” and the “seven churches” in a way to thoroughly reach all. I would make a short statement, which Sister Miller would repeat after me. Thus these subjects were presented clearly and without the least confusion. We were all happy and delighted with the glorious truth. In fact, I never enjoyed these themes more. On Sabbath I was asked to give the regular reading, in English. This I did, not forgetting the hungry souls before me who could not fully understand all I said. Sister Miller again was a great help to her brethren and sisters, by freely and heartily translating into her mother tongue the most important thoughts of the reading. I used a diagram of the twenty-three hundred days and the sanctuary, which helped in conveying the ideas of the great atonement day and its work. A solemn impression was made on the minds of all, and we felt the force of the judgment truth.

C. E. STURDEVANT.