Editorial by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 22, 1912

Editorial

By F. M. W.

Editorial Correspondence

COLLEGE VIEW, NEBR., Feb. 1, 1912.

FOLLOWING the excellent ministerial institute held at College View, Nebr., the Northern and Central Union Conferences held their regular biennial session. As the proceedings of these meetings will be reported later through the REVIEW, we will not make detailed mention of these meetings at this time.

The proceedings were most harmonious, and a spirit of earnest, aggressive labor was indicated in the plans laid and the resolutions adopted. The failure of crops for the last two years in a large part of the Northern Union has greatly hampered the work in that field; but the brethren are hopeful for the future, and are laying plans for the extension of the work.

Elder R. A. Underwood, who has faithfully served this conference for the last eight years, felt that he should be relieved from the presidency. His request was reluctantly granted, and Elder Chas. Thompson, the president of the Southeastern Union Conference, was asked to take the presidency of the Northern Union. Brother Thompson arrived before the meetings closed, to come in touch with his new field, and to assume charge of the work.

Elder E. T. Russell was reelected president of the Central Union Conference. Very important denominational interests are centered in this strong union. Union College, the Clinton (Mo.) German Seminary, the International Publishing Association, and the sanitariums at Wichita, College View, and Boulder are all important institutions, and to do active, aggressive work, must have fostering care.

Union College draws its support not only from the Central Union territory, but also from the Northern Union. A commendable spirit was manifested by the delegates of these two unions in considering the interests of this institution. The operation of the college last year showed a financial deficit, notwithstanding the earnest efforts put forth by those in immediate charge of the institution. The brethren heartily responded to the demands of the situation. By action of the delegates, each of the various State conferences in the two unions was asked to assume responsibility for a proportion of the indebtedness, as well as the support of one or more teachers for the ensuing year. This plan will furnish very substantial assistance to this worthy institution. It is to be hoped that the enthusiasm and earnestness shown by the delegates may extend throughout the field, and that the workers in the Central West will heartily unite in inducing many young men and women who are now attending public schools to enroll as students of Union College.

One feature of the gathering at College View was particularly pleasing, and that was the old-time spirit of hospitality shown by our church brethren and sisters and by the college and sanitarium. The representatives from Washington felt particularly indebted for the kindly care given them during their stay by the Nebraska Sanitarium, and for the many courtesies which they received from the managers and nurses. The college did the same for others, and the homes of our brethren and sisters in the village were opened wide to afford a hearty welcome to the visiting delegates. This spirit we believe needs to be cherished on the part of our people. There is danger that we shall get away from the spirit of simplicity which once pervaded our work. We need to come together as brethren and sisters, realizing that we belong to the great family of the Lord, that our purposes are one, and that in a measure our interests in this world are likewise mutual.

We are indebted to Elder Underwood for a hearty and earnest appeal in behalf of the REVIEW before the delegates and visitors at the institute. He emphasized the importance and the necessity of having our church paper in every Seventh-day Adventist home, and urged those present to see that the Seventh-day Adventist homes they visited were supplied. The brethren pledged their hearty support in the accomplishment of this purpose.

At the last Sabbath meeting of the ministers, Elder A. G. Daniells stated that as far as his purpose was concerned, the institute, instead of being nearly to a close, was just beginning; that he purposed to make the coming year a year of institute work and earnest study. He recommended that as a basis for all study for the year to come, our workers give special attention to the Scriptures of truth, advising that they read the Bible through by course, as well as study those subjects which might be necessary in the carrying forward of their work. He also urged that in addition to other books, “Desire of Ages” receive a careful reading, and also some work on the improvement of the ministry, suggesting as an excellent book “Personal Evangelism,” by Dr. Goodell. This recommendation is worthy of the consideration of all, and we pass it on in the hope that it may lead to more earnest, systematic study on the part of all our readers.

F. M. W.