Ministerial Institute at College View, Nebr.
By O. A. Olsen
IN harmony with previous arrangements, the ministerial institute for the Central Union Conference was opened at 7:30 P. M., January 13, by Elder A. G. Daniells, who gave a very timely and stirring discourse on the subject “Our Message to the World.” Ministers and other workers from the Central Union had gathered for the institute and the union conference that was to follow. These, with the church and students at College View, made a large congregation. At the close of the discourse, Elder Daniells briefly outlined the object of the institute and some of the lines of thought that would be studied, as follows:— 1. To obtain a clearer vision of our message and work. 2. To obtain a keener sense of our personal responsibility. 3. More efficiency in our methods of labor. 4. The fullness of power required for finishing our work. Much stress was laid on the speedy finishing of the work; that the time had now come when we as a people should arise as one man to act our part faithfully and thus hasten the work to its final and glorious consummation. The daily program called for a devotional service from 8 to 9 A. M.; Bible study from 9 to 10:15 and from 10:45 to 12; Bible study again from 2 to 3:15 P. M.; bookmen’s convention from 3:45 to 5; Missionary Volunteer institute from 5:15 to 6:15; preaching at 7:30. Some time was also given to the study of the home missionary work. The Bible studies were given by Elders A. G. Daniells, I. H. Evans, and G. B. Thompson, each taking a different line of study. Elder Daniells dwelt on the speedy finishing of the work, showing how wonderfully the providence of God has gone out before us in all parts of the world, and that now everything is ready. Our missionary efforts in foreign lands, with their marvelous results, were briefly reviewed. Now, while a great work is still before us, a whole-hearted consecration to God under a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit on the part of every individual member, is required, that the work may be speedily finished. These studies were a real inspiration to all present. Elder Evans conducted studies on the calling and work of the gospel ministry, emphasizing the importance of a definite call, the sacredness of the calling, the object of the ministry, the spiritual life and high standard set before the ministry. These studies were practical and timely. The subject was presented with much clearness and force, and a deep impression was made on those present. Many were led to see their faults and shortcomings, confessions were made with earnest determination for a full and whole-hearted consecration for the future. In the studies conducted by Elder Thompson, the importance of an earnest and prayerful study of the Bible was emphasized. The question, “What constitutes a real preacher, a minister, and what does he stand for?” was asked and dwelt on with much emphasis. Another subject was that of prayer. All the lessons of the institute were timely and practical. The presence of the Holy Spirit was manifest in all the studies, and will surely prove a great blessing to many. It was unfortunate that the time was not only somewhat limited, but also somewhat broken up by committee work preparatory to the meeting of the Central Union Conference that was to follow. Thus from time to time some were absent who ought to have been present to share in the benefit of the lessons. The nature of these studies is such that all should have them, and in making the arrangements everything should be so planned as not to interfere with, or to take any one away from, any of the studies. I know of nothing more important for us and for the work God has committed to us than just such seasons of study and devotion as these ministerial institutes offer to our conference workers at this time.16 The home missionary work represented by the secretary of this department, Miss E. M. Graham, who also was present, received considerable attention. Special meetings were held where questions were asked, and the methods and plans of work were presented, in which the conference presidents and others took very much interest. The outlook is encouraging for a real revival of the home missionary work, and certain it is that this work can never be accomplished and finished in the time allotted to it unless our people arise as one man and give themselves to it heartily and cheerfully. But this will also be done, and the work will be finished as the Lord himself has indicated.