THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S 425 Now, dear reader, whenever any man—be he preacher, teacher or chiirch leader—talks of the premillennial coming of our Lord as a dangerous doctrine; an effeminate doctrine; an enervating doctrine, lacking in virile-, Biblical manhood or womanhood; lacking in definite, self-sacrificing Chris tian integrity and service,—just ask the question: “ Can you prove it? Show me.the church.” That will end the controversy. T. C. H.
P R A Y IN G for Rulers First There seems to be a “ kicking machine” in every business office, at every banquet, in every Labor Union meeting, in every Lodge session; in fact at the desk, the bench, the counter and even in the pulpit someone kicks against the Government. And where the kick is the strongest and the loudest is among that class who stand around the street corners whittling a match or toothpick while they cuss the Government. Thèse ‘‘kickers ’’ have never read 1 Timothy 2 :l-3, or if they have, they have not put the exhortation into practice. The Apostle Paul leaves no doubt in our minds as to God’s will for every Christian in praying for our governmental leaders. “ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.” Christian, how much praying have you done for your mayor, your governor, your president ? From these words of Holy Scripture, we have. the Importance of Prayer. First of all, pray for men in authority. We have four ingredients of prayer—Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, Thanksgiving. Agonize for rulers, ask for rulers, intercede for rulers, and thank God for your rulers. How much less kicking against authority and how much more efficient leadership the state would have if we Christians prayed more for our officials. How little do we realize the power of prayer, in driving back the lying, deceiving spirits, from the hearts and minds of these officials of our land. They may or may not be Christian, but prayer will hinder much deception of the evil one. A missionary requested in a letter, a few days past, that we remember them especially in prayer as the whole section was under the control of a wicked bandit leader. Another missionary wrote saying, “ Use the triangle of prayer.” It is recorded, that Kapaio, the New Hebrides manslayer, who wanted to bring his club upon the head of Dr. Ged- die, said, “ When I got near him I felt a power which withheld me from slay ing that man of God. ” Why ? Someone was on their knees for him. If this was true in praying for a missionary, what deliverances might we expect in praying for our rulers. And what progress might the Gospel have by praying for mayors, police, and men of authority in countries where the spreading of the Gospel is hindered by misrule. W. H. P.
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