The Right of Petition by W. J. FITZGERALD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 8, 1904

The Right of Petition

By W. J. FITZGERALD

The right of citizens to petition earthly governments for the alleviation of distress and the granting of favors is among the most highly prized of human rights. We can not too highly regard the privilege of approaching the throne of the universal King. Prayer consists of thanksgiving for past and present mercies, and of expressions of desire and confidence for blessings to come. Have we not all many personal reasons for returning thanksgiving? And do we not all need the Holy Spirit's power in richer fulness, that we may advance more rapidly in the development of personal Christian character?

But that which, in a special way, causes us to rejoice and urges us to seek God earnestly, is the consideration of the work of the Lord. The prosperity that has accompanied the preaching of present truth in all parts of the world shows clearly that God's hand is over his work, and that his power is flooding the earth with the light of the third angel's message. Weary pilgrims may lift up their heads in confidence and expectancy, assured that their redemption is drawing nigh.

He who feels truly grateful for the progress of the past year will realize our great need for the year to come. Our hearts must be moved with compassion for the myriads of human beings who grope their way to and fro in the darkness that covers the earth, and with zeal for their enlightenment. Truly they are sheep without a shepherd. How plenteous is the harvest! but, O, how few are the laborers! It is surely time to heed the Saviour's admonition to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest.

W. J. FITZGERALD, of Eastern Pennsylvania.