It was May 19, 1780 America was brand new and state houses of legislature were busy forming the government. But this day things were different. This day became known as the Great Dark Day. At noon the perfect combination of smoke from Canadian forest fires, heavy cloud cover and fog brought on night at noon. In the state house in Stamford, Connecticut some of the Puritan members cried out, “It is the Day of Judgment.” Andrew Davenport’s voice rang out in the darkness, “This well may be the Day of Judgment which the world awaits; but be it so or not, I only know my present duty, and my Lord’s command to occupy till He come. So at the post where He hast set me in His providence, I choose, for one, to meet Him face to face, No faithless servant frightened from my task, but ready when the Lord of the harvest calls; and therefore, with all reverence, I would say, Let God do His work, we will see to ours. Bring in the candles.”
The current issue of Newsweek magazine has the cover message, “Apocalypse Now – Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Nuclear Meltdowns. Revolutions, Economies on the Brink.” There is no doubt, it’s rough out there and it is not a time for the faint of heart. I do think the Puritan members might watch thirty minutes of the evening news and once again cry out. But it is Andrew Davenport’s message that needs to be repeated. Let’s be focused on the task the Lord has given us. God will do His work; we must see to ours. “Go ye therefore into all the world and preach the Gospel.” The Gospel is the Good News not all the bad news. Therefore, bring in the candles and let our light shine.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 24, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org