WHILE it is true that we should be in earnest in the service of the Lord at all times, yet it is in harmony with the divine arrangement that there should be appointed seasons for special waiting upon God. So it was in the olden time, and so it should be now.
It has long been the custom in this denomination to appoint a week of prayer—a time for asking great blessings from God and of making offerings in behalf of God's cause. It is a good custom. The benefits of such an occasion are needed each year, but especially as we draw nearer to the close of our work. The perils are thickening. The world is growing more irreligious. Some who were formerly our companions in labor are now in the ranks of the opposers, and their efforts are to destroy rather than to build up. We need special help from the Lord—the power and wisdom which come from him alone—in order that we may be able to meet the present situation and to gain victories for the truth. United prayer will bring the needed help.
There is the most pressing demand to extend the work in both old and new fields. There are openings on every hand, and the Macedonian calls come from many lands. Funds are urgently needed for sustaining workers already in the field, and for sending others who are willing to go. A liberal offering at this annual season of prayer will come at a time when it is greatly needed, and will at least temporarily relieve the financial pressure. While earthly banks are growing more and more uncertain, it is an excellent time to make large deposits in the bank of heaven—to invest in a movement which will bring returns by the hundredfold. We hope all will seriously consider the needs of the work, as shown by the reports of progress and multiplying demands, and plan to make a liberal donation at the appointed time. Pray and give. Ask for the choicest of heaven's blessings,—the forgiveness of sins and the gift of righteousness—and, as evidence of appreciation, give both thanks and free-will offerings.
Let this coming week of prayer be a blessed season of thanksgiving and praise, of asking and receiving, and of bringing to God of his own.
Visitor from Jamaica
MRS. J. A. STRICKLAND, from Jamaica, called at Washington last week, on her return to the West Indies.
Union Thanksgiving Service
A UNION Thanksgiving service was appointed to be held at the Memorial Church in this city on Wednesday evening, November 27. Quite a full program had been arranged, which promised to be of special interest.
German Mission School Opens in Brooklyn
A SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST German mission school was opened at 1831 Gates Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y., on November 4, in the newly erected church building. The session will continue from November to April inclusive.
Atlantic Union Conference Session
THE session of the Atlantic Union Conference which has just been held at Philadelphia was an excellent one. The attendance was large, the interest good, and the results most satisfactory. A report of this meeting will appear later.
Week of Prayer Begins December 14
THE week of prayer begins Sabbath, December 14. This is the time for the second Sabbath service, when reports from our missionaries would be read in all our churches. On account of the week of prayer beginning on that day, the regular services will be omitted. No readings will be sent out, therefore, by the Mission Board for the second Sabbath in December.
Special Our Truth Youth’s Instructor Number
By Editor
ORDERS may be placed at any time for the special “Our Truth” number of the Youth’s Instructor, which will be ready to mail by the time this paper reaches our readers. This will be an especially valuable number to use among those who do not know this message. The prices are: any number up to twenty-five copies, 2½ cents each; twenty-five or more copies, 2 cents each.
West Caribbean Conference Address Changed
THE address of Elder H. C. Goodrich, and of the West Caribbean Conference, of which he is president, is now Cristobal, Canal Zone, Panama, instead of Bocas del Toro, Panama. All correspondents will please take notice.
Enoch Company Arrives in Port Said
ELDER GEO. F. ENOCH and company have reached Port Said, Egypt, safely. November 1 he wrote from there that all were well, none having been seasick so far on their journey. On the way they spent two Sabbaths in England, and one each in Gland and Rome.
Conradi Reports on Russian Meetings
By a post-card, Brother G. Dail reports that Elder L. R. Conradi and himself had just reached Germany, returning from an extended round of general meetings in Russia. He reports excellent meetings, and adds: “I think a new era in Russian experience is before us.”
Oakwood Manual Training-School Progress
If interested in the progress of the Oakwood Manual Training-school, our school for the training of colored workers in the South, send stamp for a copy of “Progress” and a prospectus of the school. Address Walter J. Blake, Principal, Box 414, Huntsville, Ala.
Mountain Home Dedicated at Mussoorie
From India comes the good word that upon a recent Sabbath the new mountain home at Mussoorie was dedicated. Upon this occasion three were baptized, thus publicly taking their stand for the truth. The attendance of the people living near was good, and they obtained a much better understanding of the work being done among them than ever before.
A Great Opportunity to Do Good
By A. G. DANIELLS.
Much has been said and written in praise of the World's Missions number of the Signs of the Times, and also regarding the great importance of giving it a large circulation. This question has recently received careful consideration by the General Conference Committee, and as a result the following action was taken:—
Realizing the value of the World's Missions number of the Signs of the Times, and the importance of giving it a wide circulation, we recommend to our people throughout North America that they devote the first week in December to a special effort in the circulation of the World's Missions number and the Bible Readings series to follow.
Brethren, this Missions number is of priceless value. It is better than any description that has been written in its favor. Now is our opportunity. When this is gone, we shall not have another like it for years.
We earnestly and anxiously appeal to our people to make a great effort during the first week in December in behalf of this special.
Do not let this rare opportunity for doing good pass unimproved.