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Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 50.

Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem

Review and Herald

Dec 16, 1902

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 16, 1902

Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem

“Pray Without Ceasing”
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of Jehovah. Our feet are standing Within thy gates, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that art builded As a city that is compact together; Whither the tribes go up, even the tribes of Jehovah, For a testimony for Israel, To give thanks unto the name of Jehovah. For there are set thrones for judgment, The thrones of the house of David. Pray ye for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, And prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. For the sake of the house of Jehovah our God I will seek thy good.

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By Editor

Conducted by the Department of Circulation. of the Review and Herald Publishing Company.

A Five Years’ Diary in One Book

“A Line a Day”
THE pages in the illustration show the arrangement of the days and the years, also the number of lines allowed each daily record in the $1 books. The $1.50 books contain one line more to each daily record.

How To Use It

Begin under the date of Jan. 1, 1903, and write down to the next date. For the next day use the space under January 2 (on opposite page), and so on through the year. The next year begins in the next lower space under January, 1904, etc.
This arrangement places a record of the same day in every month throughout the five years on each page of the diary, thereby focusing on one page five daily records for as many years. When making our record, it is always interesting and profitable to note what we did just one, two, three, or four years before, and this form brings this survey before the mind each day.
Many people do not wish to make extended records. Only important facts in a concise form are desired. This diary has ample space for such a record, yet is just the size to carry in the pocket.
Substantially bound in fine Russia, gilt edges. The price, postpaid, is $1 and $1.50. Review and Herald Publishing Co., Battle Creek, Mich.

A Fine Bible

OXFORD or Nelson Bible, plain type, references in the center, best India paper, maps, bound in genuine sealskin, divinity circuit, calf lined to edges, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges, and only 6⅝ inches long, 4⅝ inches wide, and ¾ inches thick. Just a good size for ladies’ Bibles, and to fit the coat pockets of the gentlemen. In every way a favorite among Bible students. The regular price of these Bibles is $5. Our price, $4, postpaid. Order of the Review and Herald Publishing Co., Battle Creek, Mich.

Revised Bible

THE American Standard Edition is generally conceded to be the best edition now published. The testimony of Bible students affirms that this translation is nearer the divine thought and spirit than any other version in the English language.
These Bibles are printed in large type, and are substantially bound, at the following prices:—
No. 160. Cloth Bound, red edges, $1.
No. 167. Egyptian Seal, limp, round corners, red under gold edges, $1.75.
No. 173. Egyptian Seal, divinity circuit, leather lined to edges, round corners, red under gold edges, $2.75.

In Very Large Type, Especially Good For Impaired Vision

No. 260. Cloth Boards, red edges, $1.50.
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Easy Steps in the Bible Story

THIS is the only book we have for children that gives the story of the Bible in the order of inspiration. The stories of the Bible from creation to Sinai are given in the same order of the Bible, but told in a simple, interesting way, which impresses the children. As the child grows up, and reads the same scriptures in the Bible, the order is not disturbed, and the facts are not confused. The Biblical association of facts and subjects is of more importance than many appreciate. This is one of the features of Bell’s Series of Sabbath-school Lessons that has rendered it so successful for the past twenty years.
“Easy Steps in the Bible Story” is a book on the right line, and one that lays a good foundation for a thorough, connected knowledge of the Scriptures. It is the best Bible book for children—a child’s Bible in simple form. The children themselves like it. This is its best recommendation. It ought to be in every home where there are children. Prices, 25 and 50 cts.
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The Empire Series

IN 1896 Elder Alonzo T. Jones published “The Empires of the Bible,” the first volume of the Empire series. The second volume, “The Great Empires of Prophecy,” was published in 1898, and the third volume, “Ecclesiastical Empire,” was issued last year. These are three very important books, and should be not only read, but carefully studied by every member of every church.
“The Empires of the Bible” traces the history from the origin of nations to the captivity of Judah, and carefully reveals the causes of the rise and the fall of these early peoples. The Biblical records, together with secular history and modern research, establish the manner of the development of the great empires of Egypt and Assyria, and the founding of the races from which the great nations of later times developed.
The reader is greatly assisted in the study of this work by the twenty-one colored maps made especially for this book. There are 410 large pages. Size of book, 6 x 9½ x 1¼ inches. Bound substantially in cloth. Price, $1.50, postpaid.
“The Great Empires of Prophecy” is a history of the great nations of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia, and Rome. Gleanings of the most important and interesting histories are herein compiled, to set forth the real influences that caused the prosperity and the decay of each of
these great nations. On account of the great number of noted historians quoted in this work, it might be appropriately termed a cyclopedia of history, and a ready book of reference.
It contains 712 pages and 22 full-page colored maps. Nicely bound in cloth. Size, 6½ x 9½ x 1½ inches. Price, $2, postpaid.
“Ecclesiastical Empire” contains the account of all the principal events that have affected the civil governments and tended to the establishment of ecclesiastical authority, from the time of the fall of Rome to the publishing of this book, in 1901. It contains a good history of the Reformation; a Compendium of the Principles of True Christianity; the Reason for Our National Apostasy, and a full treatise upon the Union of Church and State.
This book contains 874 pages. Substantially bound in cloth. Size, 6¼ x 9 x 2¼ inches. Price, $2.50, postpaid.
This series contains 1,996 pages of the most important historical matter, especially prepared and condensed for the use of those who do not have access to the original histories, and who have not the time to search out these facts had they the books. The combined price of these volumes is only $6, postpaid.
Order of your State Tract Society.

Good Books for Children

Easy Steps in the Bible Story

A CHILD’S Bible in simple form; illustrated; 160 pages; 25 and 50 cents.

Best Stories From the Best Book

Illustrated; 200 pages; 25, 50, and 75 cents.

Making Home Happy

A book with a mission to every home; illustrated; 200 pages; 25 and 50 cents.

Sketches of Bible Child Life

A biography of the principal children mentioned in the Bible; illustrated; 144 pages; 40 cents.

The House We Live In

Or “The Making of the Body.” A child’s practical physiology; illustrated; 218 pages; 75 cents.

Things Foretold

Prophetic topics simplified for children; illustrated; 112 pages; 50 cents.

Story of Joseph

Illustrated; 64 pages; 15, 25, and 40 cents.

Gospel Primer

Illustrated; 128 pages; 25 and 50 cents.

Cats and Dogs

A favorite among children. Original stories about cats and dogs. Thoroughly illustrated; 128 pages; 40 cents.

All Sorts

A high caste storybook filled with interesting and instructive original sketches and stories in great variety. Thoroughly illustrated; 192 pages. Price, 50 cents.

A Nice Present

“THE MASTER’S GREATEST MONOSYLLABLES” is a faith-making little volume, and a soul winner, and is a good book to present to a friend or to sell to others for a Christmas present. It will accomplish good wherever it goes. Price, 50 cents, postpaid.

Coming Soon

By Uriah Smith

Editorial

Pray

Pray earnestly. “Pray with the spirit.” “Pray with the understanding.” “With thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Pray the prayer of the publican, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Pray the prayer of Habakkuk, “O Jehovah, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known.” “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Let each one adopt the cry of the psalmist to the God of mercy, “Wilt thou not quicken us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” With confession, with repentance, with earnest appeal, let the annual season of prayer, December 20–27, be a time of waiting upon God for a renewal of his covenant mercies.

Act

WE have not finished with the matter when we have asked special blessings from God. The prayer of faith is followed by deeds of faith. “Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence,” but God uses the arm of flesh as his helping hand in the ministry of his blessings. “We are laborers together with God.” Having earnestly asked God to revive his work in our midst, then we should open the way for him to do so both in our own experience and in the experience of others, by offering ourselves as the channel for his reviving blessing. When we do this in sincerity, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, we shall at once find plenty of opportunities right at hand. When we have prayed the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest, we should be sure to say, before the “Amen,” the “so let it be,” as did Isaiah of old, “Here am I; send me.” The prayers that are followed by consecration in active service in the very line of the requests are the prayers that are answered speedily and openly. The experience of manifested glory on the mountain top in prayer must be followed by the humble ministry of blessing in the valley below. The subject of the readings for the week of prayer is “SERVICE.” Let the week of prayer be a time of preparation for service. Pray and act.

Coming Soon

THERE is a good, old advent hymn, the first stanza and chorus of which run as follows:—
“How sweet are the tidings that greet the pilgrim’s ear, As he wanders in exile from home; Soon, soon will the Saviour in glory appear, And soon will the kingdom come. “He’s coming, coming, coming soon I know, Coming back to this earth again; And the weary pilgrims will to glory go, When the Saviour comes to reign.”
This is truly one of the “spiritual songs” in which we may speak to one another as a means of reviving our hope in the speedy return of our Lord. The hymn is Scriptural in its teaching. It simply takes the promise, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me,” expresses the joy of the pilgrim wanderer in hearing the good tidings, and dwells upon them with a satisfaction which increases with each repetition. As the living creatures “round about the throne” find delight in repeating “day and night” their simple form of adoration, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come,” so with perfect confidence in the fulfilment of the prophecies and that we are now in “the time of the promise,” we may constantly sing in our hearts— “He’s coming, coming, coming soon I know,”—and each repetition of the glorious truth will only make it seem the more precious. It is time that the advent message should become a part of our very being. There can be no hope more thrilling, more soul-inspiring, than that the Saviour will come in this generation. We can bend every energy to the work of proclaiming the message of warning and preparation “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” and that with the best of courage, when we know that this is the work which will bring us face to face with our Redeemer without passing through the grave. O blessed hope! Happy are they who lay hold upon it!

Forces at God’s Disposal

WHEN it comes to mercy and compassion, God swings into play the mightiest power in the universe; namely, his all-conquering love. “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Rom. 2:4; John 3:16. So when judgments fall in the program of his procedure, he has agents, no less obedient to his bidding, to accomplish his word. “Fire, and hail,” says the psalmist, “snow, and vapors; stormy wind fulfilling his word.” Ps. 148:8. In the final outburst of his indignation against sin, he summons again the forces of nature: “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.” Rev. 16:8, 9.
The sun, which is a life-giving force, and in its ordinary operations sheds its benediction upon all nature, is here made the agent of God’s vengeance, under the most adverse conditions, to scorch men with fire. Under the cumulative action of these plagues,—the noisome and grievous sore, a bloody highway over the sea, fountains pouring forth blood for men to drink, and under the fourth plague the sun scorching men with abnormal heat,—while the holy angels continually bear testimony to the appropriateness and righteousness of God in these judgments, the evil hearts of men break forth in blasphemy against God; and they repent not, to give him glory. They are where, then, no influence to lead them to repentance can have any effect upon them.
Prominent agents of evil, which have wrought great wickedness in this world, now come in for their share in the plagues. The beast receives the fifth vial upon what constitutes the seat, or throne, of that organization, filling his kingdom with darkness, fit representation of the moral darkness which it had inflictedupon the world, leading men to gnaw their tongues for pain, and augment their debt by blasphemy against God. The next victim is the king of the north, under the symbol of the great river Euphrates, the waters of which are dried up to prepare the way of the kings of the East, and the spirits of devils go forth to the kings of the earth to gather them to the battle of the great day of God Almighty. The seventh and last plague is poured out into the air, that universal element which envelops the whole earth. This prepares the way for the heavens to depart as a scroll when it is rolled together, for every island to be moved out of its place, and the apostate city of great Babylon to be divided into its three respective parts, and then sink in the great earthquake, and finally disappear under the influence of fire and earthquake and exceeding great hail. Then the voice from the temple in heaven is heard announcing the end of the great controversy with sin, in the language of three short words, “It is done,”—a voice sufficiently vigorous to shake heaven and earth, and remove everything which can be shaken. But in this fearful time we may adopt the language of the apostle: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Heb. 12: 27, 28.
Thus men are not beyond the judgments of God. He can reach them by any medium. He can make ill effects to flow from what are ordinarily our choicest blessings. From the sun he can pour upon us heat that is exceeding fierce. These are some of the agents that he has at his command. And he has engaged to employ them all in behalf of his people. He will carry on the work with his people till “the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isa. 35: 10. U. S.

Studies in the Gospel Message

The subject of the Sabbath-school lesson for December 27 is, The Real Presence Restored.
The essential fact of Christianity is that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In him, Son of God and Son of man, who clothed his divinity with humanity, the divine presence was restored to humanity, and every member of the human family could share in the full benefit of this provision by the exercise of that faith which receives Christ to dwell in the heart. “He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name.” The presence of God in Christ with the believer is the experience of Christianity.
This is the gospel which was taught in the sanctuary and its services. The sanctuary itself was prepared in order that God might dwell among his people. His command was, “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” This was called “the tent of meeting,” and there the glory of his presence was revealed to human eyes. “There will I meet with the children of Israel; and the tent shall be sanctified by my glory. . . . And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.” This object lesson was a distinct prophecy of God manifest in the flesh. The same was true of the temple, the successor of the tabernacle. “That temple, erected for the abode of the divine presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God’s purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again his temple.” “The Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.”
It was but natural that every effort of Satan should be directed toward hiding this revelation of God’s purpose from the minds of men, and toward preventing it from being realized in their experience. Out of this effort grew all the forms of heathenism, through which the real presence of God was shut away from men, and a false conception of God was put in its place. Through the people which he chose for himself God purposed to reveal the light and the truth to the nations of the earth, and to restore to them his own presence; but the unbelief of his people interfered with the full accomplishment of his purpose. The principle of heathenism was substituted for the true principle of Christianity among the people of God. “Through heathenism, Satan had for ages turned men away from God; but he won his great triumph in perverting the faith of Israel. By contemplating and worshiping their own conceptions, the heathen had lost a knowledge of God, and had become more and more corrupt. So it was with Israel. The principle that man can save himself by his own works, lay at the foundation of every heathen religion; it had now become the principle of the Jewish religion. Satan had implanted this principle.” Thus the Jewish people lost their opportunity of re-
vealing the real presence to the nations of the earth, and their house was left unto them desolate.
Then the whole typical system was swept away; and “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” “He was the one in whom all the Jewish ceremony and typical service was to find its fulfillment. He stood forth in the place of the temple; all the offices of the church centered in himself alone.” And in him “the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal” was fully revealed. “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” The real presence of God was revealed in humanity, and the way was prepared for the revelation of this presence among the nations of the earth.
Before his ascension the risen Lord instructed his disciples that after the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the representative of himself in the church, they were to be his witnesses “both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Through the ministry of the great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, the temple of God in heaven, the real presence was manifested in the church, the body of Christ, the temple of God on earth. Thus was the scripture fulfilled, “Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them.”
But all this was soon perverted. Even in his day the apostle Paul said, “The mystery of iniquity doth already work.” And through this incarnation of the spirit and mind of Satan, “the man of sin” soon usurped the place which belonged to the divine Son of God, our High Priest, and so took his seat in the temple of God, “setting himself forth as God.” Thus the real presence was again shut away from the church, and consequently from the world, to whom it was to be revealed through the church. This was accomplished by introducing into the Christian church the same principle which was introduced into the Jewish religion,—that principle which lies at the foundation of every heathen religion,—that man can save himself by his own works. This is changing the law of faith into the law of works.
The system or organization through which this perversion of the gospel was brought about is the papacy, and this particular phase of its work was thus prophesied of through the prophet Daniel: “Yea, it magnified itself, even to the Prince of the host; and it took away from him the continual burnt offering [service], and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And the host was given over to it together with the continualburnt offering [service] through transgression; and it cast down truth to the ground, and it did its pleasure and prospered.” Dan. 8: 11, 12, R. V.
The Reformation of the sixteenth century was an effort to restore to the church that which had been taken away. It presented the foundation truth of the gospel, the principle of justification by faith, in the place of the foundation principle of heathenism, the principle of justification by works. It gave to Jesus Christ his place as the only Head of the church, and the one only Mediator between God and sinful man. It wrested from a corrupt priesthood the control of the saving grace and pardoning mercy of God, and restored to the repentant sinner the privilege of coming boldly to a throne of grace, and of obtaining mercy and grace for himself through the merits and ministry of the one High Priest. It was a great reform, a bright light shining upon the true way of salvation.
But this movement did not result in the complete deliverance of the church from the teachings and the rule of modern Babylon. A compromise was made with error, and as a consequence we now have an apostate Protestantism, an image of the papacy in which the principles of the papacy again have the control. Thus was checked a movement which, if it had been given free opportunity, would have restored to the church the real presence in fullness and power.
In this generation a people has been called out to give the message of Rev. 14: 6–12. This movement will bring to a successful issue the work which was attempted in the Reformation of the sixteenth century. It will restore the worship and service of the true God in the place of the worship of the beast and his image, the false worship of the papacy and apostate Protestantism, which is in reality the worship of the dragon, “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan.” It will restore to the church the real presence, and thus prepare the church to be Christ’s witness “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” This is accomplished by bringing back to the church the knowledge of the ministry of Christ, our High Priest, in the sanctuary above, the temple of God in heaven, and the enjoyment of the fruit of that ministry in the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the continued presence of Christ in his church, his body, the temple of God on earth. This message takes up and brings to a glorious conclusion the work of John the Baptist in making ready a people prepared for the Lord. It repeats the cry, “All flesh is grass, . . . surely the people is grass. . . . But the word of our God shall stand forever. . . . Behold, your God! Behold, the Lord God will come.” This is the foundation principle of
justification by faith? — It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself.”
This is the message which is to lighten the earth with its glory, and to bring to the church complete deliverance from Babylon. And this is the only message which will do this work. The people who are used as the human instrumentalities through which this reform work is accomplished must understand the prophecies of Daniel in order to have a clear view of the perversion of the gospel which has been brought in by the papacy, and they must understand the prophecies of Revelation both as the supplement of the prophecies of Daniel and as furnishing the setting for the message which will restore to the church that which has been taken away by the papacy.
Now is the time for this whole people to rise up and give the threefold message of Rev. 14: 6–12. This is their heaven-appointed work.

The Best Investment

By W. A. S.

An energetic life-insurance man called the other day to inquire the reason why Seventh-day Adventists were so difficult to approach in his business.
He was apparently a Christian man, who acknowledged that it was good to trust in the Lord, who says, “Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me.”
However, it seemed to him, as a practical man of the world, that the father was wise who invested his surplus in a policy, making provision, say, for his little son, so that, when grown to manhood, the boy would find something laid up with which to establish a business, or take a college course. I asked him what he would think, as a practical business man, of a people who invested their all in the gospel commission, and who taught their children that the best of all investments was to devote life and means and all to carrying the gospel to the world, so that the end might come, and death and misfortune forever cease.
This seemed ideal to my friend, but altogether impossible and impractical. He expected the end to come some time, surely, but not in our day. Pressed to the Scriptures, however, he was forced to admit that if the Christian church would throw itself without reserve into the work of evangelizing the world, it might hope to do it within a very few years; and it seemed to him possible that the church did not desire the Lord to come, else the work would be accomplished.
Then I asked him if Seventh-day Adventists, who believe that they are called out to bear a final message to all the world within one generation, might not reasonably be expected, as a practical, and their children as well, in the divine commission, rather than in life policies for the next generation. It was strong doctrine for a life-insurance agent, but is it not good doctrine for the believer in the soon coming of Jesus?
The Lord is coming in this generation. Some must now enter in. The very stones would cry out, the angels would carry the message, if Seventh-day Adventists held their peace. The surest and grandest investment in all the world is the third angel’s message. Even the mites multiply rapidly in these pressing times if given quickly. As “Testimony,” No. 33, says: “One dollar now is of more value to the work than ten dollars will be at some future period.” No investment company can offer such high interest as that.
We do not live in a heroic age. Somehow the world expects to hear the church talk about the coming of the Lord and about going to heaven, and then to see it planning as though to live indefinitely in the world. But nothing so arrests the attention of practical men as the spectacle of believers actually investing life and family and all in the promise of the Lord’s second advent in our time, just as the man of the world invests his surplus in securities to make provision for the future.
W. A. S.

A Remarkable Situation

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

We as a people are facing a remarkable situation—the world prepared for our message, and calling to us in trumpet tones to give it more speedily.
This is neither a sentiment nor an overdrawn statement. It is the truth. The call comes to us from our messengers in all parts of the world. It is placed before us in touching and cheering incidents of victories gained, and in sober, truthful descriptions of providential openings, and positive demands for a strong advance.
Brother J. L. Shaw writes from India:—
The work in this field is growing, and we as workers are being severely taxed to meet the demands made upon us. We have reached the point where we shall have either to narrow down our work or have more help. As workers I believe our hearts are being drawn more and more toward the work in this field. Between three and four thousand rupees ($1,000 or $1,300) have been pledged by the workers toward a school for natives, and without pressure some have pledged all they have. For my own part, my heart is wrapped up in this field, and I feel to offer my salary for the coming year to the Mission Board, providing they will send us help to circulate our literature through this country among the English-speaking people.
Here is an earnest call from Brother Anderson, of Matabeleland, in behalf of Central Africa:—
We feel very anxious about Barotseland. The king is just back from themissionaries. I longed to go to him when I saw him in Buluwayo, and tell him we were ready to enter his country. He wants industrial missions established. We ought to be ready to enter that field next April.
The Lord wants us to be the head and not the tail. We can see how matters have been held so that we might enter the field. If we enter now, we shall be the first to occupy the land. The French have been there for years, and are now in disfavor. Shall we enter now? If we are there first, we shall not have so much to meet from those who are against the truth.
When in England, attending the London Conference last May, I listened to an earnest, intelligent, touching call from the Gold Coast, West Africa. It was made by our dear Brother Hayford, a native of that part of Africa. This brother was brought up a Christian, and educated for gospel work. During the labors of our missionaries in the Gold Coast some years ago, he, with a few others, accepted the truth. When our missionaries left the field four or five years ago, these believers were left alone. This brother has held to the truth, and has waited patiently, but called earnestly, for some one to return.
Despairing of receiving help, he brought three or four native boys to England about one year ago, hoping that these young men could receive a training that would fit them to return to the Gold Coast and teach this message. One of these young men was placed in the London Bible School, and remained until the close of the year. He is probably attending this school at the present time.
During our London Conference last May, Brother Hayford met the European General Conference Committee a number of times, and pleaded with them most earnestly to send at least one laborer to the Gold Coast, who could take charge of the field. We assured him that we would endeavor to do this. Since returning from Europe, we have talked the matter over a number of times on the Board, but have not known whom to send, nor how to secure the means. We have recently found two laborers who are anxious to go to the Gold Coast. Now we need the means to send and support them. Surely with the abundance with which God has blessed our people this year, we ought not to wait long for the means.
During the last two years, earnest, intelligent calls have come from Brother Munson in the East Indies for more help. A few weeks ago, Sister Walker, a trained nurse, left this country to join Brother and Sister Munson, but more help should be sent.
Thus it is that from all the world there comes now to Seventh-day Adventists in America, definite, pressing, continuous calls for help. The truth is, we have come to a place in our work when something must be done, and that without delay. We have claimed that God's final message is now due to the world, and that this people have been raised up to give it. We have gone to nearly all nations with this solemn proclamation. Thus, people have been convinced and convicted. This has opened many avenues for giving our message. And now, as a result of this work, there comes to us from all the earth a mighty call for a large, world-wide movement. That call cannot be ignored. We cannot retract, we cannot retreat, we cannot stand still, and we do not wish to do so.
There is but one thing for us, that is to go forward. And this is what our people everywhere wish to do, and willing volunteers for service are coming forward most encouragingly.
There is a willingness manifested by parents and children to make a consecration of service to the cause of God. But with this there must be a consecration of means, and this is the special burden of this article. The readings for the week of prayer give a trumpet call to this people to go forward. Much has been written regarding the coming week of prayer, setting forth the duty of those who can consistently do so, to volunteer for service in foreign fields. But not a great deal has been said in behalf of means. We do not wish to press this feature unduly, but it must not be lost sight of. We all know that it takes means to send laborers into distant fields and support them there. It would be sad indeed if, during the coming year, we could not answer the pressing calls for help, because of a lack of means.
Brethren, God has greatly blessed his people in America with good crops, high prices, and large wages. He has also shown us how to live without intoxicating liquors, tobacco, tea, and coffee, and he has shown us how to employ our time without attending theaters, races, and other places of amusement which drain the pockets of those who do. In this way, we estimate that our people in America save upward of three million dollars annually that other people spend without any material profit whatever. Of course the saving both spiritually and healthwise is still greater.
In view of all this, should we not make an effort this year to make the annual offering larger than has ever been received on any similar occasion before? Really there is no reason why the week-of-prayer contributions this year should not amount to fifty thousand dollars. We plead most earnestly that every believer in the third angel's message will give this matter sober, earnest consideration, and act in harmony with the conditions which we face to-day. The situation is marvelous. The outlook is most assuring and encouraging. Let us all now consecrate our means this day unto His service. A. G. DANIELLS.
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