Canvassers’ Institutes in the Atlantic Union Conference
By F. E. Painter
WE believe that the time has come when the truth of God is to go forth as a lamp that burneth, and since it is largely by means of our publications that the last message is to be given, we have planned for a strong forward movement this spring and summer in the Atlantic Union Conference, which has for its object the scattering of the pages of truth “like the leaves of autumn.” In order that we might begin in a practical way we have planned for as many canvassers’ institutes as we can arrange for. These institutes will be short, and as practical as it is possible to make them, the object being a brief, but comprehensive study of the most essential principles and methods to be employed in the work of selling our publications, and a thorough drill in their practical application. It seemed necessary that I should be present at each one to assist with the instruction, and, as it is desired to have them all as early as possible in the spring, we had to cut them a little shorter than we otherwise would have done. The first one is now in progress in the academy at South Lancaster, Mass. A class of between twenty-five and thirty bright, earnest young men and women are taking the instruction, and we believe that many of them will become good, permanent workers in this branch of the Lord’s cause. Brother H. C. Wilcox, canvassing agent for the New England Conference, is assisting in giving the instruction. His help is much appreciated. The principal and faculty of the academy are also lending their influence, counsel, and good-will to help on the good work. This institute was planned to continue three weeks, but owing to the fact that the students are so busy with their regular studies that they can not give as much time to this work as desirable, Brother Wilcox will doubtless remain with them a week or two longer. The next institute will be a short one at Lincklaen Center, N. Y., beginning April 17. Arrangements for this are being completed by Elder S. H. Lane, conference president. This will be followed by one of about ten days, in North Wolcott, beginning April 25. Then Elder Hottel has arranged for one to be held in Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, to begin May 13. May 24 to June 3 is the date set for the institute in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, to be held at Pottsville, Pa. Brother F. F. Fry, the State agent for this conference, has been, and is still, working hard to arrange for this meeting, and to secure a good attendance, and reports that already quite a number have promised to be present, and then enter the work. The Western Pennsylvania Conference has arranged for an institute to be held in connection with and immediately following their camp-meeting in June, and the local State agent, Brother T. D. Gibson, as well as the other officers of the conference, is very confident there will be a good attendance of those who desire to fit themselves for a part in this work. Other institutes to be held later in the season may be arranged for by some of the other conferences, and will be reported later. I am certain that in all the conferences where these institutes are to be held, there is a large number of young people and of those more mature who ought to be in this work, and who would be benefited by the instruction given at these meetings; and I sincerely trust that all such will appreciate the opportunity which these institutes afford them to prepare for service, and will arrange to attend. Those who desire to do so, should write at once to the officers of the local conference, or to the writer.