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24 WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS 2 Peter 1:3-11 John Wesley is our model as, in this time of crisis, we go about our activities day after day. A woman once asked him, "Supposing that you knew you were to die at twelve o'clock tomorrow night—how would you spend the intervening time?" Wesley's reply was: "How? Why just as I intend to spend it now. I should preach this evening at Gloucester, and again at five tomorrow morning; after that I should ride to Tewkesbury, preach in the afternoon and meet the society in the evening; I should then repair to friend Mar tin's home, who expects to enter tain me, converse and pray with the family as usual; retire at ten o'clock, commend myself to my heavenly Father ; lie down to rest and wake up in glory." Let's go about our business in a spirit of God-trusting steadfastness. For we really can't take Wesley as our example unless we have his Christ-centered trust in God. Given the world situation of crisis and anxiety, please let me add one more exhor tation. On May 19, 1780 a frightening phenomenon took place in New England. An almost impenetrable mist settled down everywhere, blotting out the sunlight and making it necessary to light candles. The Governor's Council of Connecticut was in session discussing, I understand, the issue of fish hatcheries. As the darkness thickened, a senator made the motion to adjourn. But wise old Abraham Davenpor t rose and counseled otherwise. "It is either the Day of Judgment, or it is not. If it is not, there is no need of adjourning. If it is, I desire to be found doing my duty. I move that candles be brought and that we proceed to business." And the Council continued in session. An American poet (with all the research facilities available we can't track down his name) has put these words in Davenpor t's mouth: Bring in the candles! Keep to the task! What more can judgment angels ask? Bring in the candles! Let us be found Doing our duty's daily round. DECEMBER 18