GEO. O. STATES by GEO. O. STATES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 18, 1906

GEO. O. STATES

By GEO. O. STATES

Lessons From Past Experiences — No. 7

GEO. O. STATES

In the spring of 1861, when the war broke out in this country, President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand men for three months. Few believed the war would last that long. Those who believed what had been shown Sister White in Parkville, Mich., Jan. 12, 1861, knew something serious was before this nation. “We knew that a most terrible war was before us, which would cause great distress and anguish.” As the war progressed, the North was confident of final victory, not realizing how well the South was prepared for the conflict.

In “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, pages 266 and 267, is given a vivid account of the disastrous battle of Manassas, Va. The people of the North were greatly astonished at the unexpected defeat of the Northern army. As time went on and the war continued, becoming more and more serious, draft after draft was proclaimed. During these trying times as our ministers went out to preach the word, they found the people so absorbed with the terrible carnage that was going on that it was almost impossible to call their attention to the third angel’s message. Conditions were growing more serious. Many of our people were drafted, and had to go into the war or pay three hundred dollars. At this time meetings of counsel were held in the Battle Creek church, and the leading brethren advised all to pray much and talk little. In the winter of 1865 large bounties were paid for substitutes, and it began to look as if some of the European nations would take sides with the South, and thus bring about a general war.

Thus matters stood when in the REVIEW of Feb. 21, 1865, there appeared a long article setting before our people the seriousness of the situation, appointing a four-day season of prayer for the end of the war, and urging our people to put away all differences, humble their hearts, and seek God earnestly. This they did.

Those of us who participated in those experiences knew what it was to plead with the Lord. Brethren and sisters who had differences confessed their wrongs, and as far as possible made matters right. We all felt that we were doing a special work, and that God was going to hear and answer our petitions. We felt that the only way that the work of God could be carried on was for the war to cease, and so we earnestly pleaded for that definite object.

Immediately after these four days of fasting and prayer the Northern army began to gain victories. Soon the news flashed over the wires, “Richmond is taken, Lee has surrendered, and the war is over.” This all took place within a few weeks after God’s people fasted and prayed. It was brought about so soon that men of the world were amazed. A peace convention was held, I think in Washington, D. C., and a large banner was stretched across one of the main thoroughfares, with these words, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes,” showing how astonished men of the world were at the unexpected termination of the war. God’s people, who spent those four days in earnestly seeking the Lord, knew it was in answer to prayer.

Cedaredge, Colo.