The Record of Another Year
By G. F. WATSON
Do we realize that another year has almost passed since we last met in our annual week of prayer? Yes, another year, with all its blessings, its joys, its griefs and sorrows, has passed into eternity, and we are one year nearer the coming of our dear Lord than when we last met. But is it time the only thing that tells us that we are nearer the end than we were one year ago?—No, by no means. The condition of earthly affairs speaks loudly of the approaching end; even the daily papers are asking if the last great battle is not at hand. But, again, are these all that tell us that the end is at hand?—Ah, no. But the progress of the dear old message that is loved by you, dear brother, dear sister, calls out to you and to me, to get ready, for “the end of all things is at hand.” I wish, beloved, that every one of you could have heard what was said, at our council at College View last September, by those who are in touch with the giving of this last message to a lost world. I am sure it would have brought the end much nearer. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” A few more marches, a few more battles, and we shall be at the gates for the last great struggle. Dear ones, this coming week of prayer means more to me than any I have thought upon during the last twenty-five years. Is it not time for us to strike a blow that will be heard all over this sin-cursed earth,—a blow for God and his truth,—a blow for the saving of lost men and women,—yes, a blow that will shake the throne of our enemy, and the enemy of our God? Brethren, we shall need God more the coming year than ever before; and God’s cause needs us, and all there is of us. I do believe that God has chosen Seventh-day Adventists to finish his gospel work in the earth, and I also believe that this people is going to finish the work; and would it not be well pleasing to our Lord for us to close the year 1904 with a mighty stir in the camp of Israel, not only with good resolutions for the year 1905, but with eighty thousand dollars as a help in the pushing of the work that must be done the coming year? I am sure that this sum can and should be raised by Seventh-day Adventists throughout the world. May the dear Lord help me and mine to do our part, as well as to encourage others to do their part. G. F. WATSON, of Colorado.