THE WEEK OF PRAYER by C. P. B.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 11, 1889

THE WEEK OF PRAYER.

By C. P. B.

SOME two years since the Christian at Work suggested that the week of prayer should be transferred to Lent, or to use its own words, that it be given "a proper setting by postponing it to the Lenten season." The principal reason urged for the change was, that, "as at present instituted, the week of prayer comes right in the time of the world's season of festivities, which it not only antagonizes, but from which it suffers." It was also urged that as "five sixths of the world of Christians devote a specific time [Lent] to prayer and abstinence, it might be well for the other sixth to go so far over to the majority as to place its week of prayer at a time when the fashionable and religious world equally pause from their festivities." And now that paper again refers to the subject and says:—

"The suggestion has been made heretofore that the week of prayer might better be merged into the Lenten season and observed by all evangelical denominations; it would be a splendid thing if the entire Christian Church could for a brief season make a break in the order of festivities, and by the practice of a measure of self-denial, reap some of the blessings that devout souls have found in the quiet Lenten season, with its respite from the all but senseless pursuit of pleasure or business or both."

But think of it! "If the entire Christian Church could"—yes, if they only "could for a brief season"—mind you, only "for a brief season"—actually "make a break in the order of festivities"—yes, actually pause for a few days in their mad chase after pleasure—"and by the practice of a measure"—a small measure at that—"of self-denial reap some of the blessings that devout souls"—but why quote further? the thing is impossible. Says the apostle:

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:15, 16.

The idea of seeking pleasure all of the year, and making up for it by being pious during Lent, is contrary to every proper conception of true religion. But very likely if the week of prayer were appointed at a time when it was fashionable to be religious, very many who now pay no attention to it whatever would apparently be very devout for a few days and imagine that they were doing God service.

It would not however be doing service to God, but it would be taking a step toward Rome. C. P. B.