A Day of Prayer by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 8, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 40.

A Day of Prayer.

By Editor

A mass-meeting in the Y. M. C. A. Auditorium, Chicago, September 21, called by D. L. Moody and other ministers and laymen, issued the following appeal:—

"To Christian Citizens of the United States: In common with a large number of our fellow citizens of every religious and political creed, we believe our nation is in the throes of a great conflict, portending the most serious consequences unless there be a merciful interposition of the Divine Hand.

"We believe this to be true, independently of any settlement of the present Presidential contest one way or another. We would not view the situation, perplexing and foreboding as it is, outside of its relation to the mind of God. We, therefore, affectionately invite and earnestly urge our Christian fellow citizens throughout the length and breadth of our land, irrespective of denominational or political affiliation, to join with us in observing Thursday, October 8th, as a day of fasting, confession and prayer to Almighty God that he will allay passion and restrain evil among us; that he will strengthen faith and inspire hope; that he will impart wisdom and bestow patience, and that he will forgive our iniquities as a nation and grant us his salvation.

We would further respectfully recommend that in addition to gatherings held at the usual places of worship on that day union meetings be arranged for in the afternoon or evening, where all may come together to unite their hearts and voices in what we are persuaded is the common cause."

This appeal shows the condition of the country as viewed by these men; and also emphasizes the tendency to a national religion. We believe in prayer, but we know of no subject more appropriate than that of the condition of the churches. The reformation should begin with "the ancient men" "before the house" even as God's judgments begin there. See Eze. 9:4-6; 1 Peter 4:17. Isaiah, chapters 58 and 59, would furnish good lessons for October 8.