SPEAKING on “The Remedy for an Epidemic of Crime,” the Rev. Polemus H. Swift, a Methodist clergyman of Chicago, said in a recent discourse:—
I am not a pessimist, but I am compelled to believe that an epidemic of crime is now prevalent in our country. The graft commission is bringing to light a condition of corruption and rottenness that is far from cheering. The public press is filled with the story of crimes of every magnitude and description. A recent morning paper contained fifty-two such narratives in a single issue.
During the first six months of the present year there were no fewer than forty-five lynchings in the United States. Those who have sworn to enforce the law have winked at its violation, or even helped it on. We are shocked by crimes against womanhood and purity, while in some quarters youth seem driven to madness. We are familiar with the story of daring robberies, daylight and midnight holdups, horrible murders, frequent suicides, juvenile crimes, political corruption, police protection of crime and lawlessness, city hall grafts, the appropriation of trust funds, scandals in church circles, betrayal of public confidence, the outrages of great corporations, the alarming increase of divorce and open violation of law, such as unite to paint a picture that is far from comforting.
After enumerating what he regarded as the chief causes of this deplorable “epidemic,” Mr. Swift said that as a remedy there must be a “revival of civic righteousness.” He also said:—
Good men must take an active part in politics. The pulpit must speak out in the interest of a new earth as well as a new heaven. Good men must be elected regardless of party affiliations. What sort of a city government can you build on such a sub-consciousness of unrighteousness as now exists?
There must be a revival of enforcement of law. Violators of law must be speedily punished. Lynchers must be treated as murderers. There must be a great revival of spiritual religion. A revival of spiritual religion always means a revival of individuality, the coronation of conscience, respect for the Bible, reverence for the truth, obedience to law. There must be a union of effort. The church of Jesus Christ must not be wanting in the conflict.
The call for a revival of “civic righteousness” has long been heard, but while the situation has been growing steadily worse for years, the much-sought revival has failed to come. Never were law and good government and society so shaken at their very foundations as we see them to-day. To say that we “must have” such a revival does not suffice to bring it into realization. It is easy to see many things that ought to be, but it is quite another thing to find the power to bring about the desired results.
While the papers are filled with the reports of what men say must be done to stay the rising tide of evil, we would endeavor to point those who are concerned over the situation to the counsel that is given in the Word of God. God sent a message to the world in the early days of this generation which, if it had been heeded, would have saved the church from a great mistake which is being made at this time. That message was, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” It was a message proclaiming that we had reached the time of the end, and that soon the rightful Sovereign of the earth would come to his own, and the kingdom of this world would become “the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ.” The great work of the Christian church from that time forward was to prepare the world for his glorious appearing. But the church, turning aside from the light of the message from God, has missed the straight pathway of his providence, and has been wandering in the dark, seeking how it might save the state and suppress iniquity in the world by means of the power of the world. Instead of proclaiming the righteousness of God for the salvation of the individual from sin, the cry is for “civic righteousness” to save the state. But Christ gave his church no instruction about saving the state, nor did he commend any other righteousness than that which he came to manifest for the salvation of the world, which was the very righteousness of God. “Civic righteousness” is a delusive term.
The true remedy for crime is to be found in the remedy for sin. Never will the world become better, save as its people are individually saved from sin, and never can this be through the exercise of any political or legislative power, but only through the power of God received through faith. Never can any plans of men, however carefully devised or energetically pushed forward, take the place of the great reforming message God has sent to the world for this time. Never can the efforts of the church be wisely directed in any other channel but that of the proclamation of this message. The hope of the world lies in the soon coming of her righteous King.
L. A. S.
The Second Session of the Atlantic Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
The second biennial session of the Atlantic Union Conference was held, according to announcement, in South Lancaster, Mass., November 4-11. Most of the conferences of the union were fully represented by delegates. Besides these there were a number of deeply interested brethren and sisters present from the churches in the vicinity of South Lancaster.
The business of the conference was attended to during the forenoon and afternoon hours, leaving the early morning hours and evenings for Bible studies and preaching. Elder S. N. Haskell occupied most of the morning hours, giving a series of studies on the spirit of prophecy from a Bible standpoint. Some valuable lessons for our people at this time were drawn from the Scriptures. Some of these ought to appear in the REVIEW for the benefit of a larger number than could be reached in the conference. During the evenings some very impressive sermons were preached by Professor Prescott, Elder Underwood, and others, regarding our time, our message, our mission, and our field. The attendance of the South Lancaster church-members and the students of the academy at the evening services filled the church, and helped to make the services important and impressive.
The business proceedings passed off harmoniously. A condensed report of the proceedings will appear in another column. But slight changes were made in the officers of the conference. Elder Cottrell was re-elected president, with the same staff of willing and efficient helpers who worked with him last year.
One of the most stirring themes of the conference was the missionary campaign planned for the coming winter. It was very noticeable that every topic relating to the preparation of workers or the doing of earnest, faithful work touched a responsive chord every time. This is a most hopeful and cheering omen. The hour has come for the Lord’s work to be finished. He has prepared the facilities, and raised up the people to finish it. What is now required is for the people raised up to do the work, to become thoroughly aroused to the demands of the cause for their service. When this8moves every believer to earnest service, the work will soon be done.
The proposal to sell a million copies of the Capital and Labor number of the Signs of the Times met with the most hearty approval of all the conference officers and ministers present. The plan for carrying on the medical work in the union and State conferences was considered with deep interest and great care. The decision arrived at is presented in the recommendations relating to the medical work. No doubt all will study these recommendations with much interest. Immediate steps were taken in the Atlantic Union Conference, and also in the Greater New York Conference, which followed the Atlantic Union Conference, to carry the recommendations into effect. A fuller statement regarding this plan, and the reasons for its adoption, may be made later.
The most interesting and stirring meeting of the session was the one held in the academy chapel with the students. The entire delegation was present. Our object in holding this meeting with the students was to give them the benefit of the discussion of the recommendations relating to the training of young men and young women for the various branches of our denominational work. This was truly a live meeting. Many stirring experiences were related by ministers who entered this ministry a quarter of a century or more ago.
The majority of the students manifested a deep interest in the counsels given. The academy is well filled with young people of mature years and real worth. Professor Griggs and his associates feel a pressing and growing burden to prepare the young people for the ministry, Bible work, and canvassing. From the large number of young people in this school there should come forth a good company of strong, earnest, efficient workers. The prospects are excellent.
Altogether, this was a pleasant and valuable meeting. Our hearts were cheered and united in the bonds of brotherly love. We returned to our posts of duty with new heart.
A. G. DANIELLS.
Note and Comment
At the recent opening of New York University, Chancellor Henry M. MacCracken made an address in which he proposed an entrance requirement for college students based upon knowledge of the Bible. He said:—
I wish we could require from every freshman a Sunday-school diploma that would certify that he knew by heart the ten commandments, the sermon on the mount, a church catechism of some kind, and a score of the Scripture psalms and best classic hymns. This university will join any association of universities and colleges that will demand this as an entrance requirement. So much as in us lies, we will make the college a place for preserving and strengthening reverence for things divine.
If parents were doing their duty in their homes, there would be no need that the colleges should think of demanding so meager an amount of religious knowledge as is suggested by Chancellor MacCracken as an entrance requirement. No child ought to be sent forth from the parental roof without having a much larger store of Scripture knowledge in both mind and heart. We hope that every parent who reads these lines will take this matter seriously to heart.
Labor Unions Held Responsible for Damages
LABOR unionism received a severe blow in Great Britain about two years ago by a court decision which made the strikers responsible for damage to property and loss in business caused by violence in attempting to prevent non-union men from filling the places of union men on a strike. And now, according to a newspaper dispatch, a ruling has been made by the Gibson Circuit Court of the State of Indiana to the effect that an unincorporated labor union may be held responsible by a jury for injuries to a third party when the injuries complained of are the result of an act for which the union as an association of individuals is responsible. The case on trial involved “the question of responsibility of a labor union for injuries resulting from a boycott established against a contractor, for which he sought to recover damages. He had been an employer of union labor, but had resisted the demands of the union, and when his employees refused to work for him, he hired non-union men. A resolution was adopted by the union placing him on the ‘unfair’ list.”
“Dealers were threatened with a boycott if they sold him materials, and he was forced to buy in distant markets. Pickets were placed about his shops, his men were harassed, and his patrons were subject to constant annoyance.
“Under the ruling of the court on the responsibility of the union which had ordered the boycott, the jury found for the plaintiff, but the verdict was a compromise so far as the questions of fact were concerned.
“The case will doubtless go to the supreme court of the State for further adjudication, and if the ruling is sustained, the principle will be fixed in Indiana, at least, that failure to incorporate does not relieve the union from responsibility for injuries growing out of its acts.
“Some of the best lawyers of the State say that the decision is fraught with important consequences to laboring men and employers, and that its affirmation by the supreme court, which they confidently expect, will be the death of the boycott in Indiana.”
Church and Theater Alliance
AN “Actors’ Church Alliance” has been organized in Chicago, with branches in other prominent cities throughout the United States. The object of the organization is to have the church and theater work together, instead of pulling apart. Actors and clergymen are associated together on the executive boards of the Alliance and its branches. The papers applaud the step. “There was never a time,” says the Chicago Chronicle, “when the stage was in greater need of the church. Extermination of the social foul from the footlights is as necessary a work for the church as expulsion of the scandalous from the home. Too many of the plays which are certain now of large and continuous profits at the box office are those which no decent family would permit to be discussed at the home table. The most conspicuous drama on the boards at the present moment is one of which a judicious journal says that ‘the heroine is an insane cat.’ Ibsen is the author.”
But what if, instead of being elevated by the church, the theater drags the church down to its own level, the level of that “which no decent family would permit to be discussed at the home table”? Has this contingency been duly considered? The church is set in the world to lift it up, but not by making an alliance with the world.
The Church’s True Mission
THE great commission, upon which is founded the authority of the church for its work in the earth, reads thus: “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you.” Under this instruction it is plainly the duty of the church to persuade men in every nation to become the disciples of Christ. The office and message of ministers of the gospel are thus mentioned by the apostle to the Gentiles: “We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.” But now comes a professional reformer who says:—
The church has given too exclusive attention to righting man's relation to God. The time has come to explore and develop the neglected hemisphere of the second commandment, the righting of man's relations to his fellows.
This view of the case indicates an utter misapprehension as to what is included in man's relation to God. The man who is in right relation to God will be in right relation to his fellows. And the only basis upon which right relations between man and man can be permanently established is the right relation of man to God. That church has fallen from its high place of privilege and duty which devotes its energies to social and political reform, instead of laboring to reconcile men to God. Christ refused to be a judge and a divider over men. He did not attempt political reforms as such. The disciple should be content to follow his Master.
All Things With Christ
By Albert Carey
ALBERT CAREY
“ALL things with Christ,” the mighty
One,
Who holds the stars in space unnamed,
Who guides alike the spheres far-famed
And every atom neath the sun,—
All things with him shall be well done.
“All things with Christ,” the loving One.
No creature-kind escapes his care,
And most the soul in deep despair
Finds Jesus ne’er its cause will shun,—
Need best commends to God’s dear Son.
“All things with Christ,” the tender
Friend.
How sweet his loving care to crave!
No pain, nor ill, nor death, nor grave
Can separate the constant hand
That guides Christ’s child to heaven’s
land.
“All things with Christ,” the coming
King.
Soon will his shout the old earth rend,
And forth its captive prisoners send
To meet their Lord, while angels sing,
And saints with praise make heaven ring.
“All things with Christ,”—O blest
estate!
What wondrous dowry! What content!
Heaven’s choicest Gift! From heaven
sent!
In Christ we with the parted wait
Till morning’s joy at heaven’s gate.
Montavilla, Ore.
The Battle Creek College Debt
By Ellen G. White
MRS. E. G. WHITE
When human agencies, as stewards of God, will unitedly take of the Lord's own substance, and use it to lift the burdens resting on his institutions, the Lord will co-operate with them.
The Missionary Acre plan of raising means for the payment of the Battle Creek College debt, is a wise and good one. Let us be thankful for this plan, and make it a success. Let all who can, heartily enter into it, thus lifting their part of the burden. Let the labor rest upon many, instead of upon a few. By cultivating land and devoting the profits to the Missionary Acre Fund, we may not only help a worthy cause, but receive a blessing ourselves because of our prayerful, hopeful effort.
Brethren Magan and Sutherland and their associates have wrestled with many difficulties in connection with the educational work at Battle Creek and Berrien Springs. But few have understood how heavy have been the financial burdens, and how great have been the perplexities connected with the removal of the school from Battle Creek to Berrien Springs. Much was involved in the transfer, and in the constant effort to build up an educational institution in accordance with the exalted principles underlying Christian education.
In harmony with the instruction given by the Lord, our brethren devoted themselves energetically to the task of rebuilding the work in a new place, and of introducing only those books and methods that would help the students to form symmetrical characters, and to become useful workers in the cause. They desired that their school should be approved of by God for the excellence of its work, and for the exalted standard that it maintained. Many of their efforts are largely experimental. They sought to make their work an answer to the question, How shall our training schools for Christian workers be established in the country, and in all features of essential education made acceptable and worthy of approval?
In this pioneer effort our brethren advanced, not inch by inch, but in sweeping strides, in the right direction. Some advised delay in the work; some criticised and condemned; many gave a hearty support, and God blessed the efforts of the united band of workers.
One of the most perplexing and discouraging matters connected with the effort to establish the work at Berrien Springs, was the question of finances. A heavy debt rested on the old Battle Creek College property. Those in charge of the institution at the time the school work was removed to Berrien Springs, were not responsible for incurring this debt. The buildings and grounds were worth considerable more than the debts, and if the property could have been sold for its full value, there would have remained, after the payment of all debts, a good sum to be used in providing the necessary facilities at Berrien Springs.
Those who had conducted the affairs of the College in past years, and who were to some extent responsible for the debts on the institution, should at this time have come forward, and said, We are largely responsible for these debts; and we will take upon ourselves a part of the burden of raising means with which to pay them. We will use our influence to encourage others to take hold of this matter. We will not leave this burden resting altogether upon those who are struggling amid difficulties to establish the school in a place where the surroundings will be more favorable for training our young people.
By an effort to share the burden of these heavy obligations, those who were largely responsible in creating them will be acting in harmony with the first four as well as the last six commandments.
When the book, "Christ's Object Lessons," was given for the relief of the schools, those who were connected with Battle Creek College worked very earnestly to carry out the plan for reducing the indebtedness on our educational institutions. They hoped that they might be able so to lessen the debt on their own school that they could feel free to leave Battle Creek, and to reopen the College in some place where they could more fully follow out the Lord's instruction in regard to Christian education.
About the time of the General Conference in 1901, the way opened for the sale of the Battle Creek College property; and the understanding was that the buildings and grounds would be used for the American Medical Missionary College, and that our people everywhere should be asked to contribute for the clearing of the debt. In the councils of our brethren, it was arranged that this be raised from the proceeds of the Missionary Acre Fund. It was thought that our people throughout America who had land, could set apart a small portion of it for the Lord, and send the proceeds to the general treasury, to be applied in the payment of the College debts, and the clearing of the property for the use of the American Medical Missionary College. It was suggested that those who had no land to use, might give of their earnings, and that in various other ways persons disposed to help could contribute of their substance. Our brethren felt sure that if our people everywhere would give liberally of the fruit of their toil, a large sum could soon be raised, and the debt quickly canceled.
Recently some have questioned the propriety of sending in means for the Missionary Acre Fund, and consequently scarcely anything is now being received for the payment of the College debt. This is not as it should be. Let all our brethren and sisters understand that the purchase of the Battle Creek College property, for the use of the Medical Missionary College, was approved of by the conference, and that the Missionary Acre Fund plan of raising means for this purchase, is a good enterprise.
The Lord will bless those who will now do their utmost to wipe out this long-standing debt, which has been such a burden. We call upon the members of our churches to do something, and do it now. Do not allow the burden of this debt to rest upon those in charge of the Berrien Springs school; for it does not belong to them. It was not incurred by them.
These brethren need our sympathy and assistance, that the school may be placed where it should be. They should not be left where each one must do the work of three, and where even then they are unable to see the work advancing as they desire it to advance.
My brethren and sisters, will you not enter heartily into the carrying out of the plan that has been laid to raise means for the payment of the College debt? The Lord will greatly bless you as you do this. When this debt is paid, those in charge of the Berrien Springs school will be free to carry forward their work as the Lord designs it to be carried forward. Buildings are needed there that ought to have been erected a year ago. These buildings should go up at once, in order that the students may be made comfortable for the winter. Those at this school have been and are working at great disadvantage, because of a lack of facilities.10
I have been instructed that it is not devised just for those in charge of the Berrien Springs school to be left to stagger under the load that they have been carrying. They have devoted themselves unsparingly to the double task of raising funds for the new school, and also of clearing the old College property from debt. How pleasing to God it would be for all our people—led and encouraged by the General Conference Committee—to share in lifting this obligation of the old Battle Creek College.
The creditors of Battle Creek College must all be paid. The officers of the General Conference should lend a hand in this work. It was by the sanction of the General Conference that many of these debts were incurred, in the erection of large additions to the College,—additions that we could have done without.
My brethren and sisters, let us all take part in sharing the burden of this College debt. The Review and Herald needs the portion that is due to it. I entreat you not to find fault. Many sacrifices have been made by those who have striven to lessen this debt. I ask you to show a decided and practical interest in this matter. If all enter heartily into the plan of raising money to cancel this debt by means of the Missionary Acre Fund, it will soon be swept away, and relief will be brought to many who are carrying heavy burdens.
Workers for Christ are never to think, much less to speak, of failure in their work. The Lord Jesus is our efficiency in all things; his Spirit is to be our inspiration; and as we place ourselves in his hands, to be channels of blessing, our means of doing good will never be exhausted.
Who will unite with us in pressing this matter through manfully? Men, women, and children can act a part. Let all labor disinterestedly to earn means with which to help lessen the Battle Creek College debt. Every faithful effort will be an object lesson, and many others will be led to engage in a similar work. Let our brethren and sisters unitedly take up the Missionary Acre plan anew, and work earnestly to make it a great blessing.
For What Shall We Pray?
By R. A. Underwood
R. A. UNDERWOOD
December 12-19 has been set apart as a special season of prayer and consecration services for all the churches and Sabbath-keepers among Seventh-day Adventists in the United States.
Shall we enter upon this season of solemn convocation with little or no sense of its importance? Shall we be satisfied with prayers that consist mainly in a form of words, with little or no faith to move the arm of omnipotent power? Can we be satisfied with our past experience while multitudes are going to ruin under the deceptions of Satan in these last days?
If there ever was a time that called for effectual and fervent prayer, it is the present hour. This movement of the third angel’s message is not a cunningly devised fable. The fulfilment of prophecy in the advent message, beginning in weakness and obscurity more than fifty years ago, bearing in the forefront the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus as essential and fundamental in the preparation of a people to meet Christ with joy, rests upon ‘many infallible proofs.’ From its small beginning it is to go forth, gathering strength and power, till every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall hear its warning voice as a witness (Matt. 24: 14), and ‘then shall the end come.’
The wrath of a long-suffering God must then be poured out in the seven last plagues immediately following the warning against the worship of the beast, his image, and the reception of the mark of the beast. Rev. 14: 9, 10; 16: 1.
This last message of love and warning must immediately precede the close of probation. It must make known the impending anguish, despair, and utter destruction awaiting all who refuse to heed the warning and entreaties of the Spirit of God in the last call to men to repent and obey God. With a sense of the awful consequences that attend the rejection of this message, this people should pray to be clothed with light and power to go forth, beginning at Jerusalem (home), and extending to the uttermost parts of the earth, till the earth is lightened with the glory of this message. Acts 1: 8; Rev. 18: 1.
God calls for believers, baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts. 1: 5; 2: 41. From these Spirit-filled believers he calls for ministers of the word, for physicians who can relieve both soul and body, for Bible workers, for canvassers, for nurses, for teachers, for deacons, and leaders in every branch of church work. These workers are needed in all parts of the earth to give this message in this generation. Who will respond to the call? Some will surrender all—mind, body, means. ‘Yea, all to Christ I owe, and all to Christ I give,’ will be the response of Spirit-filled souls to heaven’s call. For this we should pray and believe. ‘This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.’ 1 John 5: 14, 15.
Ministers and missionaries already in the field must be sustained, and many, many more must enter the field. Institutions must be established and sustained. Every talent entrusted to God’s people should now be used. We, our children, and our substance must be at the disposal and use of him who has bought us with an infinite price. Men of means will be called to do a work in this cause, with the ‘goods’ entrusted to them. Shall we pray for this class of God’s stewards? Many now unacquainted with this message must hear it, believe it, and bear responsibilities in carrying it to the world.
The prayer of faith has power to shut heaven, that it rain not. It has power to bring the rain again. James 5: 17, 18; 1 Kings 18: 41-44. It brings angels clothed with mighty power to open prison doors by an earthquake. Acts 16: 25, 26. The prayer of faith has made the earth tremble, as well as men. Acts 4: 31. The prayer of faith has opened the lips of stammering men to speak the word with great power. Through prayer the channel of the soul is opened to accept light—and to give the heart, also means, to God for the advancement of the cause of Christ. Acts 4: 31-37; 10: 1-6. Shall this season of prayer be a Pentecost? ‘If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.’ Matt. 18: 19. Let the two become one, let them be agreed, and heaven will respond now as it did on the day of Pentecost, when all with one accord believed and prayed. For this blessing and power we must pray and believe, confessing our sins, and surrendering our all. Let the voice of a united church say: ‘Amen, amen; come, thou quickening, burning power, and lighten the earth with the glory of God’s name.’
Reasons Why Every Believer Should Observe the Week of Prayer
By C. McReynolds
C. MC REYNOLDS
First, it must be clear to every observing believer that we are approaching very near to the close of human probation.
Second, we have the greatest, the most important message to give to the world that was ever committed to men, even the last warning, the truth which is designed to prepare a people to go directly from this world, with its vice and evil, into the pure and holy society of heaven. And while, in view of this, we should be all ablaze with sacred zeal, it is a sad, undeniable fact that we are asleep. But our Lord bids us, “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, . . . shake thyself from the dust.” Isa. 52: 1, 2.
We are wretched and miserable; but the Lord says, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people. . . . The crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”
We are poor, yet we read: “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.” “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat, . . . without money and without price.”
We are blind. “Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Being spiritually blind, we do not see the hundreds of opportunities that are daily presented. The eyesalve is the Spirit of God, “the Holy Spirit of promise,” “which is the earnest [or portion] of our inheritance.” “Ask, and it shall be given you.” “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more will your Heavenly11Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.”
Our love for souls is weak, and we show but little interest for those who are perishing in sin. If we had the love, the interest, it would be manifested. That love is one of our greatest needs. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” “Seek, and ye shall find.” We see our neighbors, our friends, even our children, going rapidly downward in sin, with the close of probation just upon us; yet we are too lifeless to raise the warning cry with an earnestness which would carry conviction to the soul. O, how much we need to seek the Lord with all the heart and with all the soul!
This is the “shaking time,” toward which we have been looking with dread for many years. The lifeless indifference so prevalent among us, the spirit of speculation and worldliness which has swept in upon us and driven out the spirit of personal labor for souls and of co-operation in carrying the message to all nations, which has caused hundreds of canvassers to leave the field, and many ministers to turn to secular pursuits, is sufficient evidence that this statement is true. But that is not all. Just as you might find it necessary to say to those who are physically blind, “It is now night,” when darkness had come on, so the Lord has sent us the statement in a recent Testimony: “This is the time of test and trial, this is the shaking time.” Every believer should now read the description of that time as recorded in “Early Writings,” pages 131-134. The victory there described is deliverance from the bondage which holds us, which causes our blindness, and closes our mouths, and causes the deathlike stillness and unaccountable dullness seen and felt so universally. This victory fills us with gratitude and holy, sacred joy. Then all are seen moving in exact order, like a company of soldiers, and the loud cry of the third angel’s message is heard. The call of the hour is victory and service, and victory in service.
These are only a few of the great reasons why every believer of the message in every State and nation, town, hamlet, and country place, should—yea, must, if he would not be left behind in darkness—participate in the devotions of the coming week of prayer, beginning December 12. May the Holy Spirit woo and win us till from every lonely home as well as from every church the same earnest prayers ascend, and result in the same glorious victory. Then will the missionary campaign continue, not the present winter only, but till the work is closed in glorious triumph.
The Week of Prayer
By W. J. Stone
W. J. STONE
It is a good thing for us to pause occasionally, review the past, and get our present bearings, that we may know that it is well with our souls. What would present a better opportunity or occasion for self-examination than a week of prayer. And what season of the year could be more appropriate than near the close of the year?
The week of prayer has been appointed one week earlier than usual, so that nothing need interfere with all engaging unitedly and whole-heartedly in seeking and praising the Lord together. This also gives occasion for a preparation of soul, mind, and body to become so filled with the Spirit that it may be a safeguard against the festivities of the world that follow. It also gives us an opportunity of first serving the Lord, and bringing our gifts to Jesus, giving him our first and best endeavors.
The importance of this occasion can not be overestimated. As truly as we are nearing the end of the year, so surely are we nearing the end of time and the coming of the Lord.
The proclamation of Christ’s soon coming is no cunningly devised fable, but God in his goodness is making known to the world the meaning of the dreadful things that are taking place throughout the land.
Every candid, thoughtful mind is querying as to what these things mean, and what will be the outcome. There are many things happening in the world that show an unsettled condition in everything. The old earth itself is beginning to reel to and fro. The every-day occurrences are only evidences of earth’s coming doom; and yet so slowly have these things been creeping upon us that even those to whom the message has been entrusted little realize the real situation, and the perilous times which we have reached.
Take the sign that the Lord has given us in the fifth chapter of James, which is literally fulfilled to-day everywhere in the trouble between capital and labor, and ask the average man of intelligence what will be the result of this strained relation between the laboring men and the capitalists, and he will immediately tell you, A terrible time of trouble. But this is just what the Lord has told us it would mean (Dan. 12:1), and more, that it is a sign that “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.
The man of the world knows that there is a time of trouble coming, but he does not know the meaning of it. What a responsibility the Lord has placed upon us who know the meaning of these things, and how earnestly we ought to seek the Lord during this week of prayer for a keener sense of duty, and for the baptism of the Holy Spirit to fit us for service. Truly, the coming of the Lord hasteth greatly, and God is lifting the cloud and bidding us go forward.
Look at the situation from whatever standpoint we may; examine every chain of prophecy, and its fulfilment, and we are unmistakably brought to the last link, or the closing scenes of this world’s history.
The Lord is calling as never before for laborers to enter the harvest field. The calls were never so numerous. The openings for labor were never so many. There was never such a variety of work in which our lay brethren could engage. Every man, woman, and child who desires to work has an opportunity and an open door; but a deeper consecration is needed, and wisdom from God, to know how to perform the labor, that the work may not be marred in our hands.
Money is also needed, not only to meet present appropriations, but that we may continue to push the work in new fields, and quickly carry the gospel of the soon-coming kingdom of Christ to all the world.
In view of the great need of consecrated workers, and means with which to carry forward the work, how forcible is the scripture found in the second chapter of Joel: “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments. . . . Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children. . . . Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.”
Shall we not see at this annual week of prayer such a turning to the Lord with all the heart as we have never seen in the past? Shall not this scripture be literally fulfilled, and God’s people receive power for service as never before? God grant that it may be even so.