p. 20 | Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 46. (11/14/1912)

Earlier text: (Reading for Monday, December 9)

(Reading for Wednesday, December 11)

By Ludwig Richard Conradi

God's Wonderful Providences

L. R. CONRADI

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” Rom. 11:33.

God's ways are indeed past finding out, and the more we inquire into them, the more the depth of his wisdom and his knowledge appears. Ere the Lord chose natural Israel, he revealed himself to Adam, the head of the human family. Enoch knew his ways, for he walked with God, and was translated. At the beginning of a new world, Noah foretold the divergence of the ways through his three sons, and the divine providences that would be connected with them. Abraham, the father of all believers, saw the day of the Lord, and God's wonderful

way in dealing with his seed, and rejoiced. The psalmist testifies to the wonderful way God led Israel: “Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” Ps. 77:19.

For fifteen hundred years, natural Israel was to be the beacon-light of divine truth in heathen thralldom; but Jeshurun was not true to his mission, and the people did not appreciate their high privilege of being the sole possessors of the divine oracles. When Christ appeared in the world, the world did not know him; yea, he came into “his own, and his own received him not.” The Messiah was given to Israel as God's greatest gift, “a light to lighten the Gentiles,” being a native of Bethlehem in Judea, “the glory of thy people Israel.” Israel despised their golden opportunities, and rejected the world's Redeemer. Although they caused their own destruction as a nation, yet God not only saved a remnant, which carried the glad tidings of a risen Saviour to the world in their generation, but he overruled the very rejection of natural Israel to the salvation of all the world. The fall of one small nation proved to be the riches of the entire world, and the diminishing of Israel the enriching of the Gentiles.

To-day God does not entrust his precious Word to a special nation, but he chooses a spiritual people from among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, to be the light-bearers of the most glorious truths the world has ever heard. This people are to be the earthen vessels that will be filled with the greatest power ever manifested. Unto all the world this gospel of the kingdom is to be preached as a witness. It is to go with mighty power, and the whole earth is to be lightened with its glory.

When Roger Williams found a place of refuge from persecution, he very fittingly called it Providence; and in the providence of God the United States has become the cradle of the last threefold message. This country was chosen not because of the special goodness of its people nor on account of its greatness, but because of its wonderful advantages. To America's shores millions have flocked, and are still flocking, seeking liberty. The United States has been fitly termed the land of unlimited possibilities. But the Lord was in no way restricted to this one country. Europe had enjoyed the Sabbath truth since the days of Christ. The great Reformation shook Europe at the very time that America was being explored. The great missionary movement of the nineteenth century had its roots in Europe also, and likewise the advent message.

Ere our people sent messengers to Europe, God had moved on honest hearts east of the Atlantic to find in the Word of God the special truth for these last days. He thus again established the fact that although he may choose men as his instruments, yet he is not dependent upon them. God in his rich grace and wisdom uses man as the vehicle; but man thus chosen must act, or the very stones will cry out.

In surveying the European Division, with its five hundred fifty millions of people and twenty-seven thousand believers, the question arises, How did the truth come to Europe? Again, Which country would be chosen to lead out? All eyes would at once turn to Great Britain, it being the motherland of the United States, using the same language, being entrusted with the greatest riches in Europe, and being the most active in mission enterprises. But God's ways are past finding out. We should further expect that one of the strongest men of our denomination would come to make a beginning. But a man refused by our own people sailed to Europe (1865) under the Sunday flag; but the Sabbath truth was so strong in his soul that this poor earthen vessel became its first herald. The Sabbath truth first took root in the free, cosmopolitan republic of Switzerland, in the very heart of the Continent. Four years passed. A young Swiss was sent to America (1869) to petition our brethren to foster the plant thus started in weakness. He remained a year, but four years went by before the General Conference selected Elder J. N. Andrews (1874) as its first foreign missionary. He went by the British Isles, made Basel his headquarters, and wrestled hard with strange tongues. The late Elder B. L. Whitney thus fittingly acknowledged God's guidance in this move: “May we not believe that the hand of Providence has been in this, and that God has designed to preserve this little country in its national neutrality as a favorable field from which to send the truth of the third angel's message to the populous countries of central Europe?”

Twenty-six years have passed, and to-day we have two strong conferences in Switzerland, with about thirteen hundred members. The Latin Union educational, publishing, and medical center is in Gland, Switzerland, while the newly organized Central European Union is about to establish its headquarters at Basel. Switzerland has become a strong factor in developing workers and supplying finances for a number of fields.

For years three hundred Danish papers were sent monthly from zealous missionary workers in the United States to Norway and Denmark. The seed sown soon produced fruit. Elder Matteson wrote, March, 1877, to the president of the General Conference: “I think the time has come when I must get ready to go to Denmark in the interest of the last message. We frequently receive favorable letters from Denmark, and some are keeping the Sabbath there. Our Danish-Norwegian brethren have already donated two hundred dollars for this mission, although we have made no call for it.” Elder Matteson and his faithful wife placed their children among their brethren in Wisconsin, and he, as a true apostle of the Lord, left all to carry the good tidings to Scandinavia, and to establish a strong work in all three capitals.

Not until 1878 did Elder J. N. Loughborough sail for the British Isles; and, strange to say, Australia, with its small population, became a stronger factor in the cause than is Great Britain even to this day. Not until recent years has the work in Great Britain made real, solid progress, and even now there are only two thousand one hundred Sabbath-keepers there, and comparatively few workers. Most of these are the sons and daughters of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

Wonderful lessons of providence can be drawn from the manner in which the cause first entered the great Russian empire, covering all eastern Europe and northern Asia. The Reformation, which shook the papal church to its very foundations, affected the German and Swedish settlers only around the Baltic, and left the Russian church untouched. This church boasts over the papal church, claiming to be the true orthodox church which has preserved the gospel in its purity while the Roman Catholic Church held sway. The living minister would have had a hard task to gain a foothold in this immense country, but God's providences cope with all emergencies. Several centuries ago the Russian government invited German settlers into different parts of Russia. Later some of these immigrated to America, where they heard of the truth, and sent silent messengers in the form of our papers across the well-guarded borders. Finally, in 1883, an aged man, with a stammering tongue, returned to Russia, unobserved and pitied on account of his weakness. But in this weak earthen vessel there rested hidden the mightiest truth. Where human wisdom failed, childlike simplicity prevailed. As he went out among his German friends, he filled his pockets with our publications, asking them to favor him by kindly reading certain portions to him. While they seemingly obliged him, they reaped the greatest benefit themselves in that they became interested in what they read. As the country became stirred, the Lutheran adversaries demanded the removal of this man; but in view of his weakness, they felt ashamed to lay violent hands upon him.

In the summer of 1886, the first minister set out on his journey to enter this unknown empire. Already on the way, God's providence sent him a man who by his own sad experience had learned how to enter such a closed field. A Russian tongue was provided for him in the person of a former Bible colporteur, and arriving in the Crimea, he found a company of Sabbath-keepers. While organizing the first Russian church, he was imprisoned, and thus debarred from future labor. But this imprisonment carried the news of this “new” faith hundreds of miles to the Caucasus, and attracted the attention of the honest in heart. Russians who had been exiled for their Baptist faith heard and accepted it, and were persecuted anew. Some were carried in chains to Siberia, and some to the very border of Persia. Although they were fettered, the truth had liberated others from error's chains, and as a result some of the strongest

churches in this vast empire were established in its utmost ends. Priests issued books giving information about these strange Sabbatarians, and gave only their Hamburg address, stating the fact that they distributed literature free; thus honest inquirers after truth were enabled to find it. The government itself sends some of its able men to follow up our general meetings for months to study our doctrines, and to become familiar with our organization. At government expense this information is printed, and freely circulated among officials and clergymen to disseminate correct information. To-day the truth extends all over Russia and Siberia, and five thousand Russian subjects rejoice in it.

KIDZU STATION, VICTORIA NYANZA, GERMAN EAST AFRICA,
DR. F. W. VASENIUS IN CHARGE — KIDZU STATION, VICTORIA NYANZA, GERMAN EAST AFRICA, DR. F. W. VASENIUS IN CHARGE

But it does not stop there. Russians received our literature in Manchuria, became convinced of the truth, and forwarded their gifts for years, calling loudly the while for a worker. When he arrived, lo, an entire company was ready to be baptized. This company is not only growing, but through its labors some Chinese are even taking hold. Other Russians settled in Mohammedan strongholds, such as Tashkent and Samarkand, and on Persian soil. And, behold, the truth reaches them, churches are springing up among them, and they in turn become light-bearers in the very heart of Asia.

Likewise, the Turkish empire had for centuries closed its doors to light and progress. But a humble shoemaker who felt a burden for his native land left a good position in California, and for a mere pittance followed his handicraft in Constantinople. He did not fill his home with fine furniture, but with the Book of books, in a dozen different tongues. Although his knowledge was meager, from night to night he assembled a number of interested hearers about him. Soon after his arrival a bright Armenian of good education was converted to the message through his effort. This messenger became a successful instrument in gaining others. Though we now have only about three hundred fifty members in the Levant, a good foundation has been laid, and the truth advances in the very center of Islam, and is extending to old Armenia, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Egypt.

For a long time Austria-Hungary seemed sealed to the message of peace. One lone Sabbath-keeper among fifty millions remained a silent witness of the Sabbatarians of the seventeenth century. In searching for him, one of our people entered the land, and met an unbelieving professor, who took the messenger to the oldest Baptist in Hungary. Jokingly the professor informed the old gentleman who was in charge of the Bible depository, that this messenger had come to embrace his infidel views. This aroused the sympathy of the old veteran, and he invited the messenger to dine at his home. However, he was surprised to find that instead of being able to do missionary work with the messenger, the latter brought to him glorious truths from the blessed Book, which had hitherto been unknown to him. He took his stand, and others followed. So to-day Hungary alone has some twelve hundred believers, and is the backbone of the newly organized Danube Union. Another three hundred members are in Rumania, Bulgaria, and Servia. Among these are some government spies who had been sent by wily priests to watch our meetings, but were converted to the message.

An Austrian learned the truth in Germany and returned home. Soon others began to keep the Sabbath, and workers were sent into the field. Although they may not open their lectures with song or prayer, nor take a text from the Bible as the basis of their remarks, yet God has revealed ways whereby some five hundred believers have been gathered out.

Spain and Portugal, the home of the Inquisition, persistently closed their doors even to the Reformation. But times changed; ministers of truth entered the field, the printed page found its way even into the homes of the very highest, and to-day about one hundred rejoice in the truth there, and the work is steadily growing.

Infidel France, and Belgium are likewise open, and the message is even pushing its way to the great French possessions of northern Africa. Bright young men are entering the work, and to-day some four hundred persons are rejoicing in the truth.

Yea, even Italy, the very home of the Papacy, has awakened, and joined the happy company of nations, where through God's providence the present truth steadily advances.

As early as 1864, honest Germans had discovered from the Bible the Sabbath and kindred truths. By sheer providence our brethren in Switzerland heard of them, and when in 1873 Elders Andrews and Erzenberger first visited them, they found a company of forty-six adult Sabbath-keepers. Elder Erzenberger worked among them for only a few years, then, in spite of the opening providence, Germany was left without a permanent worker for fifteen years.

In 1889 a mission was established. One would naturally expect that Rhenish Prussia, where these Sabbath-keepers were, would be selected, or some German territory near Switzerland, where rooms for this mission had already been rented, but had to be given up on account of the death of Elder Whitney. God's wonderful providence, however, pointed to Hamburg, the greatest port of Continental Europe, situated in a progressive republic which is a natural outlet of a great empire to all portions of the earth. Though Germany was so recently entered, yet in 1898 a conference could be organized there with over one thousand members. In 1901 the union was organized; in 1909 another union had developed; and in this present year two more have been added, so at present there are over eleven thousand Sabbath-keepers in Germany. Young men are imprisoned because of their faithful adherence to the Sabbath, but in the very cell they learn to know God's ways better, and dedicate themselves to his service; and to-day a number of them not only are proclaiming the glad tidings in Germany, but in the mission fields beyond. Sons of the fatherland become missionary pioneers in eastern Europe and in the Levant; and with the sons of England and Scandinavia they press the battle into the very heart of Africa, where already several hundred converts rejoice in the truth. Even the Bible is being translated by these pioneers into native African tongues, and thousands of heathen pupils throng their schools to learn of the redeeming Saviour. Europe, once wholly dependent on America for men and financial help, has

become a strong factor in the cause.

To-day while eleven hundred millions are looking toward America for help, another five hundred fifty millions look to Europe. God's power and providence have wrought in America in raising up sixty-five thousand Sabbath-keepers. He is working in the European Division, where about five thousand annually embrace the truth. He has wrought in Australia, and so will he also in South and Central America, in dark Africa, and populous Asia. Hundreds of millions still grope in darkness, depending upon us for workers and financial help; and even in our home countries millions of people, among whom are many dear relatives and friends, are still unsaved.

O the bright promise, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”! Then our blessed Saviour will appear, and bring our reward with him. Some more years of toil, of prayer, of giving, and the work will be finished. A rich reward awaits every honest soul. God's providences have opened up the way in all the world. We see its triumphs in every clime. It has broken the strongest barriers down. We also can cry out as did Paul of old: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” Shall we not meditate upon his ways of old during this week of prayer? And while remembering them, let us consider still more his wonderful providences in the spread of this threefold message. Let us improve the providences of God, live hard by faith, consecrate ourselves fully to the Lord, and praise his wisdom and knowledge as we see the glorious triumphs of his cause in all the world. The mystery of God is nearing its final fulfilment. His Holy Spirit is most anxious to bless. His arm has been made bare in our behalf. Let Zion arise, put on her beautiful garments, and publish to all the world the glad tidings, “Thy God reigneth!”

Praying for Others

Lesson for the Children — No. 4

Praying for Others

MEMORY TEXT: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16.

Ask the children with whom they like best to talk. Is it not with those they love most? Describe how Jesus walked with the disciples to Emmaus. They talked together till the hearts of the disciples burned with love for the Master. They did not want the stranger to leave them, for he talked to them as Jesus did. They said, “Abide with us.” If they had not invited him, Jesus would not have been their guest. In our hearts let us ask Jesus to abide (stay) in our homes. The teacher may inquire who would like to have all pray, for themselves or some of their friends. Some one present may come from a home where there is sickness. Pray for the sick one. Another may think of friends far away whom he would like to have remembered. Pray for them. Death may have visited a home, and some childish heart may be aching with sorrow. Remember those in affliction. Others may wish prayer for fathers, mothers, brothers, or sisters who are not converted. A season of prayer in which all who will may join will be appropriate at this point in the meeting.

Some of the promises of God appropriate to the occasion may be quoted, and the children will thus be encouraged to believe that Jesus hears and answers.

The story may be told of a little cripple who was confined to her bed. She felt very anxious to do something for the Lord, for she loved him; but she could not go about like others. A minister visited her, and told her that while lying on her bed she could pray for those whom she wished to be Christians. He told her to write down their names, and then pray for them earnestly. Some time after this there was a revival, and when the little cripple heard of the meetings, she inquired who had given themselves to the Lord. Not long after this she died, and in a roll of papers found under her pillow was one on which were written the names of fifty-six persons for whom she had prayed. By these names were little crosses where the child had checked off the names of converts as they had been reported to her.

Children may do much good by prayer.

Prayer for Wisdom

Lesson for the Children — No. 5

Prayer for Wisdom

MEMORY TEXT: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1: 5.

Why do you go to school, children? To learn, you say, and because you need to know more than you do now. There is so much to learn, so many things to study. (The teacher may speak of the first school, in which Adam and Eve were the students, and God the teacher. See “Patriarchs and Prophets,” pages 50, 51.)

“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” How he studied and communed with his Father may be found in the chapter in “Desire of Ages” entitled “As a Child.”

Name the wisest man. How did he get his wisdom? (Tell the story as found in 1 Kings 3: 5-14; 4: 29-34.) To Solomon was committed the work of building the temple, for which God gave the pattern. 1 Chron. 28: 11, 12, 19.

We need the wisdom God alone can give. Prov. 9: 10; 1: 7; Job 28: 28. How can we get wisdom? Memory text. We can ask the Lord to help us get hard lessons, and to give us true wisdom. In this time we need wisdom to ‘depart from evil.’ Sin looks so pleasant. It is found in such pretty places. It invites so often and so persistently. It looks so much like what is right and good. We should ask each day for wisdom to choose the right way.

The subject for prayer till the next meeting may be chosen by the children, or suggested by the teacher.

(Reading for Thursday, December 12)

By R. A. Underwood

The Responsibility Resting Upon Those at the Base of Supplies

R. A. UNDERWOOD

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19.

PROVISION has been made according to the riches of Christ’s glory to supply men and means to bring the last message of salvation within the reach of every human soul. Through the riches of grace men are called to be colaborers together with God (2 Cor. 6:1) in the salvation of a lost race, that in the world to come they “may be also glorified together.” Rom. 8:17.

Heaven’s greatest joy and glory is, and ever will be, in the redemption of a lost world. The surpassing love of Jesus Christ is revealed to an adoring universe by God’s uniting the services of an undone race with the sinless Christ and angels in man’s restoration, and in giving the redeemed a share in Christ’s joy and glory. Matt. 25:21. As the sacrifice of Christ precedes his great glory, so the labor and sacrifice of man must precede his joy and glory with Christ. The apostle Paul, speaking of his labor for the Thessalonian church, says: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” 1 Thess. 2:19, 20. If man shares with Christ in his glory, he must accept the responsibility commensurate with the sacred trust and reward. “For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” 2 Tim. 2:11, 12. The sacrifice and glory are inseparable. “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?”

A Victorious Army

The work of Christ is likened to a mighty army, marshaled under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Men must enlist to stand in Christ’s stead, to suffer and labor while beseeching men to be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:20.

Supplies and Recruits

To occupy the position of furnishing the supplies to an army is fully as important as to be in the line of battle at the front, and sometimes more so; for if the supplies fail, the army is helpless and sure of defeat. Recruits are constantly needed to take the places of the fallen, and to make new additions to the army of conquest.

Soldiers of the cross must be given supplies as verily as any army that ever went to battle. God’s call is especially to the young and middle aged to go to the front. “Princes of Israel” are needed who have learned it is not by worldly power and might, but by the might of the Spirit of God, that victory is gained in this fight against sin. 1 Kings 20:13, 14. We are led to ask, Must nearly all the pioneers in this cause be laid to rest before the glad day of the coming of our King? The larger number of those who enlisted under the banner of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus in the early history of this cause have fallen at their post, while others bear the battle scars of more than half a century in the conflict.

“Soldiers of the cross, arise! Lo! your Leader from the skies Waves before you glory’s prize— Prize of victory. Seize your armor, gird it on; Soon the battle will be won; See! the strife is almost done; Struggle manfully.”

Beings from unfallen worlds would gladly respond to the call of God if permitted to do so; but no, the purpose and call of God is for our sons and daughters to go and join those already on the field of battle. Our homes, churches, schools, sanitariums, and publishing houses must be the base of supplies to send forth these workers. But shall we send the flower of our young people into the fiercest of the conflict, and withhold from them the necessary food and other support? To do so would be to invite defeat, suffering, and death to the laborers, while it would mean everlasting shame and dishonor to those entrusted with the sacred responsibility of sending supplies to the brave workers in the field.

The demands upon this movement to supply laborers, and the sinews of war to sustain them, are great. In addition to the demands upon each local conference to keep the work going, the needs in the regions beyond are constantly pressed upon us with an irresistible power to “enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.” Isa. 54:2. There can be no surrender, no cessation of effort, until the inhabited earth has heard Christ’s last call to men.

It is a surprise to many in other denominations to know that with a constituency, in all the world, of only about one hundred thousand believers, Seventh-day Adventists are operating missions in so many countries. The worldwide progress of our work is an inspiring commentary upon the movement

and message of Rev. 14:9-12, which a small people have been entrusted to carry to all the world in this generation. Our Mission Board sends word: “The reports just in indicate that outside the United States we have 2,464 missionaries. [A good proportion of these draw their support from Europe, Australia, and the colonies.] This number includes native workers on our payrolls, but does not include the large army of self-supporting workers with literature, native and foreign.” It is further stated: “During 1911 the average daily receipts of the Mission Board amounted to $1,172.22. For the first five months of 1912 the daily average receipts for missions at the treasury were $1,380.11. This shows a gain for the first five months of this year of $207.87 a day over last year.” We are glad of this, but when we think that hundreds of workers are dependent upon this means for their support, we can not charge any with being in this work for the loaves and fishes. We certainly should do no less than contribute for missions on the average fifteen cents a week for each Sabbath-keeper, and many ought to do much more. Large demands are often urged upon the Mission Board, which it is unable to meet.

The Early Days

In the early days of this message great sacrifices were made, both by conferences and by individual believers. As soon as a conference had gained a little strength, it reached out to the adjoining State or Territory, and divided its small means and few laborers to build up another conference. In this way the believers in the State of New York assisted Pennsylvania; Ohio helped West Virginia; Michigan, Indiana; Iowa, Nebraska; Minnesota, the Dakotas, etc., until the cause had planted its banner in every State and Territory of the United States. In the same spirit the General Conference sent laborers to Europe, Australia, and other countries. We have rejoiced to see the message obtaining sufficient strength in Europe, Australia, and other lands to cause them to follow the example of the conferences in America, in reaching out to plant the truth in adjoining territories; thus these countries become a source of supply for men and means to extend the work into unoccupied regions.

Our responsibility does not lessen, but rather increases, as the message grows and extends to all parts of the world. The call to push forward the work to completion comes back to the home lands from the millions of China, India, Africa, and all parts of the world. This week of prayer should be the beginning of a new experience in bringing into active service many more laborers, and tapping larger resources of means that God has entrusted to his people to advance the work of carrying the gospel to the dying multitudes who are without hope.

Individual Responsibility

We may shrink from personal responsibility, and feel that it is the duty of the conferences to furnish the necessary laborers and means to meet the growing demands of the cause; but equally with these organizations the responsibility rests upon every minister, every church officer, and every church-member. No one can say, “I am excused,” unless he is ready to be excused from sharing in the joy and glory of Jesus Christ when the conflict is ended. The surest sign of the approaching end is seen in the marked fulfilment of Christ’s great prophecy: “And these good tidings of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole inhabited earth for a testimony unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt. 24:14, A. R. V. Nineteen hundred twelve should not close without witnessing the greatest personal consecration of service and means to the cause of Christ to send the message and the messenger into all parts of the world that the church has seen since the days of Pentecost.

FOREIGN WORKERS ATTENDING CAMP-MEETING IN KOREA

The Lord’s Appeal

In the closing days of the night of sin, the Lord appeals to his stewards:—

“Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee. Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time [“buying up the opportunity,” margin], because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:14-16, A. R. V.

What a gracious provision, that we may redeem misspent years and reclaim opportunities that have passed unimproved! How may this be done? Many have devoted their best days and energies to the accumulation of this world’s goods to the neglect of improving golden opportunities to win souls to Christ. Now life and its opportunities are seen from a different viewpoint: many would gladly give themselves for a foreign field, but age or other conditions will not permit them to go. However, here is a young person qualified and ready to go into a distant land, but the Mission Board has not the funds to meet the expense. We may call a meeting and sing,—

“My Father is rich in houses and lands, He holdeth the wealth of the world in his hands!”

to no avail, unless some trusted steward into whose hands the Lord has committed his goods shall place them upon the altar of service. And he who cooperates in furnishing the means to send the laborer forth will share in the reward as souls are won to Christ.

This principle is clearly set forth in 1 Sam. 30:24, 25: “As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.” Now the call is for those who do not go to the battle’s front to furnish the “stuff,” or the “sinews of war;” thus through the merciful provision of God a man is given an opportunity of converting years of his former life, when he accumulated the means, into devoted service for Christ. By using accumulated means we may redeem the time and buy back the lost opportunities, so that the records in heaven may be changed to show that a portion of our former life is credited with soul-winning in a foreign field. What a merciful arrangement is this that makes it possible, even in old age, for a man to devote to the cause of Christ his accumulations which represent the strength of his early life. This reveals the amazing love of the great God to a poor sinful race, and will be a cause of adoration and eternal joy to both redeemed and Redeemer ages without end.

The Call of the Hour

The trumpet-call of the hour is, “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem,” and go forth as a burning torch, proclaiming the message of Christ, until the earth is lighted with the glory of God, and the consummation of the blessed hope is realized.

Praying When in Trouble

Lesson for the Children—No. 6

Praying When in Trouble

MEMORY TEXT: “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Ps. 50:15.

Should we wait till trouble comes before we call on God? A man who seldom prayed was overtaken by a cyclone. He thought his house would surely be blown down. Before this his wife had often pleaded that he would pray with her and the children. In the storm he

was terrified, and with trembling said to his wife, “O Fannie, let us kneel and pray.” She was not afraid, for she had faith that God would take care of them. After the storm was over, the man did not wish to pray any more than before. It is better to become acquainted with God before trouble comes, and then we can go to him as to a friend.

Instances of how frightened people feel in a shipwreck may be told, but their desire to pray then does not show that they repent of sin, or that they are willing to live different lives.

Jeremiah said that Israel would pray to idols when prospered, but in trouble they would call on the Lord, saying, “Arise, and save us.” Jer. 2:27, 28.

God is a friend to his people when they are in trouble. Give the story of Hezekiah. 2 Kings 18 and 19. Have a letter with you in which 2 Kings 19: 10-13 is written. Show how Hezekiah spread the letter before the Lord, and read his prayer. Verses 15-19. So we may spread our letters before God, and tell him our troubles.

Other instances of how God has delivered his people who trust him may be told as time and opportunity permit.

Then speak of the time of trouble. Children must meet it. If they have not learned lessons of faith and self-denial, and how to trust God now, they will be overwhelmed then.

There is coming a time of trouble for the wicked. There will be a great prayer-meeting then, but they will not be delivered. We are told in the Bible for what they will pray. Rev. 6:14-17. Refer to God’s promises to his people at that time. Psalm 91; Dan. 12:1; etc.

The special object of prayer may be that all Seventh-day Adventist children may be ready for the time of trouble.

Continue reading: (Reading for Friday, December 13)