The Spiritual Side of Institutes by V. O. Cole

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 6, 1916

The Spiritual Side of Institutes

By V. O. Cole

“ALL who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God’s service will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of his own spirit, the life of his own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth his highest energies to work in heart and mind.”—“Gospel Workers,” p. 513.

Truly these words have been verified in the different colporteurs’ institutes held in the Atlantic Union this season; and it may be interesting to review some things that happened at these meetings.

The first one of the season was held in Richmond, Maine, in what is known as “the old Reed meetinghouse,” where the first angel’s message was preached. This institute was not largely attended; and when it began, it was a question in the minds of some whether it would pay to hold it with so few; but as the institute progressed, the Spirit of the Lord stirred up the hearts of some of the local members to take the drill and enter the work. Since then the sales of one of these brethren have been more than $80 in one week. Nearly the whole

church shared in a great spiritual revival during the meetings.

The next institute was held in Tremont Temple, Boston, Mass. About twenty-five prospective colporteurs were present. From the very first, it was evident that the Holy Spirit was present in a marked manner. The last meeting was an especially good one. It lasted about two hours, and all took part, giving praise to God for the blessings bestowed upon them.

One young man was soundly converted at this institute, and others were healed of disease. The young man referred to had been of a wild, roving character all his life. After the earnest solicitation of his brother to attend at least a few of the meetings, he came one morning with his grip all packed to go to the war zone in France; but somehow the Spirit of the Lord took possession of him, and he asked for prayers. He was soundly converted, and remained to the close of the institute, when he went into the field, planning to give the rest of his life to the Lord for service.

One brother came to this institute with the intention of canvassing, but the enemy brought discouraging thoughts into his mind, which caused him to drop out and go back to his home, about forty miles away. The Spirit of the Lord followed him, and he could find no rest until he returned. In making his confession after coming back, he said that he was very conscious while at home that the brethren were praying for him, and he could hold out against their prayers no longer.

At the institute held in Burlington, Vt., it was evident that the Lord was present through the entire meeting. One or two who were not expected came to receive instruction. The Lord had stirred their hearts to have a part in this closing work, so they studiously applied themselves to the lessons given, prepared their canvass, and are now actively engaged in selling our good books. The church at this place was also greatly blessed, and a talented young man who is holding a good position in the world, began to keep the Sabbath, and will enter the work in a few weeks.

It would be hard to describe in a few words how greatly the Lord worked in the institute held in Rome, N. Y. It started with prayer and ended with prayer. An early morning prayer band was organized at the beginning.

At this meeting one brother dropped in, as he thought, for only a day. He let the first train go by, and before the next train came, he had surrendered to the Lord for service. He gave up a business that brought him from twenty-six to thirty dollars a week. He remained through the rest of the institute, took the general instruction, learned his canvass, and has now set his goal to sell $2,000 worth of “Daniel and the Revelation” during the remaining part of 1916.

During these meetings several were compelled to take to their beds with severe attacks of la grippe, but earnest prayers were offered in their behalf. The result was that they speedily recovered. To some who were not present, these things might seem as a “happen so,” but it was not hard for those who were in the spirit of the meetings to tell whence came the power.

At each of these institutes the president of the conference was present to

conduct the Bible study in the morning, and also the service in the evening, whenever evening services were held. This evidently added much to the spirituality of these meetings. Surely it can be said that “all who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God’s service will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power.”

It should be understood that the deep spirituality of these institutes in no way took the place of sound instruction on the principles of the canvassing work. The Lord gave us those blessings in addition to the instruction that is usually given on Christian salesmanship.

The time has indeed come when the Holy Spirit is being poured out in abundant measure upon those who will consecrate all to his service; and showers of the latter rain will be received when we throw ourselves in the channel of God’s providence, dedicate all to his service, and then press forward, working upon right principles. Brethren, these blessings are ours to enjoy. Are we willing to pay the price and claim them as our own? V. O. COLE.