The Battle Creek Institute by A. G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 7, 1911

The Battle Creek Institute

By A. G. Daniells

The gospel workers' institute for the laborers in the Lake Union Conference was held in Battle Creek, Mich., November 7-19. One hundred sixty ministers, Bible workers, and other conference laborers enrolled in the class. In addition to these, quite a number of the brethren and sisters of the Battle Creek church attended the various studies of the day, and a large audience gathered in the Tabernacle every night for the evening services.

The daily program provided for seven regular meetings. This kept all in attendance hard at work from early morning until the close of the last service at night. Such a strenuous program would not have been adopted if we could have remained together for a longer time, but for a number of reasons it was thought that the institute could not continue longer than twelve days, and in order to cover as much ground as possible in the study of important questions, it was decided to crowd each day to its utmost limits. Nearly every member of the class was present at the opening of every meeting, and all gave themselves earnestly to the work of the institute.

Elder W. A. Spicer gave a series of studies on the certainties of the great advent movement with which we are connected. In these studies he presented many parallels and similarities between the Exodus movement under Moses and this advent movement which we are carrying forward under the third angel's message. These studies were especially cheering and helpful to our brethren and sisters of the Battle Creek church, who have been long connected with our cause. We had with us such pioneers as Elders George Amadon, M. S. Burnham, and A. C. Bourdeau, and a number of devoted sisters who have reached the age of threescore years and ten. It rejoiced the hearts of the younger laborers to witness the unfaltering confidence and firm assurance of these pioneers in the message. The earnest hope was many times expressed that the Lord would hasten the finishing of this work so that these faithful pilgrims might yet witness the coming of

the Master for whom they have looked so long.

Elder G. B. Thompson gave a series of lessons on our great need of the Holy Spirit in all our endeavors to proclaim the gospel of salvation to a lost world. The study of this vital, fundamental question made a deep impression upon all our hearts. We find that in every place among all our workers the special blessing of the Lord comes upon us as soon as we begin to recognize our great need of the Holy Spirit's presence for personal victories over sin, and for efficiency in gospel service. The study of the conditions upon which the bestowal of the Holy Spirit is promised, invariably leads to close searching of heart and to deep repentance for all that is sinful in the life. At this institute, as in others we have held, many were led to seek the Lord most earnestly for cleansing from all sin, and for a reconsecration of the whole life to the service of God. This brought light and joy and blessing to those who sought for help, and great encouragement to all who were attending the institute.

This is just the experience every gospel worker in the cause needs. How can we render effectual service unless we are experiencing personal victories day by day, and unless we are endowed with the power of the Holy Ghost in soul-winning work? As far as one could judge, every worker at the Battle Creek institute sought the Lord most earnestly for deliverance from all sin, and for new life and power to tell the story of the cross to all with whom they shall come in contact.

The gospel ministry was the line of study assigned to the writer. In these studies we endeavored to make clear from the Scriptures and the writings of the spirit of prophecy the following important considerations: That the ministry is the Lord's appointed agency for the proclamation of the gospel to the world; that no man takes this honor to himself, but enters upon this work in obedience to the call of God; that it is a spiritual work that can be successfully carried forward only by spiritual forces; that it is the greatest and most important work being carried on by man, and therefore calls for the highest preparation and for the most conscientious, painstaking effort it is possible for one to make. We also studied methods for carrying forward our work in new fields, and the duties of the minister when working among our churches.

In connection with this line of instruction, there was an hour devoted each day to the question-box. This gave all members of the institute opportunity to hand in written questions regarding any important points concerning which information was desired. About one hundred questions were answered during the institute. These covered a wide range of topics. The question-box hour seemed to be as interesting and as helpful as any study of the day.

In addition to these four regular studies each day, a round-table talk was held each evening from five to six o'clock, for the young ministers and Bible workers. In these talks we could get closer to some questions of vital interest to those beginning their work than we could in the full meeting.

The last meeting of the day was held from 7:30 to 9 P. M. This was a public service, and was attended by hundreds of our people, and by many who do not belong to the Battle Creek church. In the evening services we endeavored to emphasize the most important points of the regular lessons that were being given during the day. The interest in these evening meetings was shown by an increased attendance each night until the institute closed. Many expressions of sincere gratitude were made by our brethren and sisters living in Battle Creek for the privilege of having this institute held in that city. It proved a blessing to the church as well as to the workers who came together from the various conferences of the union.

In its details this institute was quite different from the others we have held this year, but in many respects it seemed to be one of the best. The realization of the great responsibility of the ministry seemed to grow deeper and deeper each day. From the first, there came upon us the conviction that the time had come not only for a decided advance in the spiritual life of the ministry, but also for a great revival of spirituality among our churches. This conviction spread and grew until every worker seemed deeply impressed that all must go from this institute to work for the revival of our churches throughout the Lake Union Conference. Before the institute closed, the presidents of the different conferences gathered their workers, and began to plan definitely for a revival campaign among all their churches. This movement is to begin with the week of prayer, and is to be continued through the winter until it has been extended to all the brethren and sisters in the conferences. As we planned for this kind of work, the blessing of the Lord came upon us and deepened the conviction that this is the thing to do just now. May I request those who read this report to offer earnest continuous prayer for the success of this revival movement?

A. G. DANIELLS.