Editorial Correspondence by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 11, 1912

Editorial Correspondence

By F. M. W.

Los Angeles, Cal., March 21, 1912.

The ministerial institute, which closed here yesterday, was the ninth institute of this character held for Seventh-day Adventist workers during the last few months. Beginning with the meeting at Knoxville, Tenn., institutes have been conducted at Philadelphia, Pa.; Battle Creek, Mich.; Walla Walla, Wash.; London, England; College View, Nebr.; Keene, Tex.; Didsbury, Alberta, Canada; and Los Angeles, Cal.

At these gatherings nearly all the conference workers in the United States and Great Britain have come together. The general testimony of these workers at every institute has been that God has greatly blessed the gathering to their good. Many have obtained a new experience in divine things, a new power has entered into their work; and we are confident that the ministry of the word in this denomination will be attended in coming days with much more of the power of God and demonstration of his Holy Spirit.

The meeting at Los Angeles proved a fitting finale to these gatherings. The instruction was of the same character as at the other institutes. While the same lines of thought were presented, and by the same speakers, the truth was given with that freshness and power which made it a new revelation to both speaker and hearer.

Attending this meeting were a larger number than usual of aged and leading workers. Elders G. A. Irwin, J. N. Loughborough, J. O. Corliss, W. C. White, M. C. Wilcox, W. M. Healey, E. E. Andross, E. W. Farnsworth, and H. W. Cottrell, in addition to several members of the General Conference Committee, were in attendance. We requested several of these brethren to state to the readers of the REVIEW their estimate of the value of this institute to our ministry and work on the Pacific Coast.

We present herewith their statements:—

A New Order of Things

This feast of good things is now past, and its record is in the books of heaven; but its results in the earth are yet to be seen. One thing, however, is certain: from all appearances it was a most timely appointment. Two hundred or more workers of all classes—the entire force of the Pacific Union Conference laborers—were in attendance, and a more attentive class of students would be hard to find.

The instruction was on preparation for efficient service, and the instructors treated their subjects thoroughly and with great earnestness. From the first, it was evident that the Lord would do a good and permanent work for those who would yield all to him. In the social meetings, the unanimous testimony was that through one fault and another, individual results from labor had been disappointing, and that a “new order of things” must come into future efforts for souls.

In some cases, confessions, accompanied with many tears, were made. These were solemn occasions, not soon to be forgotten, and there is good reason to believe that the work went deep in such cases. Those attending these eight days of study and prayer are justified in looking for better days and for greater results in ministerial labor than ever before within the bounds of the Pacific Union Conference, because all were led to believe that the Holy Spirit only awaits our “demand and reception.” Personally, the writer esteems it a great privilege to have been present, and shall pray for the permanency of the work done at this good institute.

J. O. Corliss.

A Revival of Missionary Zeal

The ministerial institute for the Pacific Union Conference is now in the past, but its influence will live on in the experience of all who had the privilege of attending it. Among the many signs of the approaching end that are to be seen on every hand, the spiritual awakening now taking place among our laborers is surely not the least.

From the beginning of the institute, it was manifest that God was present by his Spirit to impress the important truths presented in the daily studies on the hearts of all in attendance. This reached a climax on the last day of the institute, when the entire time from 8:30 A. M. to 1 P. M. was spent in thorough, heart-searching work, which must mean much for the advancement of the cause of truth in this field till the work is finished.

With the coming of this mighty awakening, this “new order of things” among the workers, there must come a revival of the old-time missionary spirit that will wipe away the reproach of slothfulness and indolence from the church and prepare the way for the gracious manifestation of the Spirit of the Lord and the revelation of divine power. The time has surely come for us to see the providential working of the Lord of hosts, for the shining forth of truth in clear, strong rays. Surely the Lord is with us, and is preparing the way for the mighty working of heavenly agencies through human instrumentalities that are wholly surrendered to him. The cloud is truly rising, and Israel’s host is preparing to move forward into the promised land.

E. E. Andross.

An Uplift to the Church

For many months the testimony stating the need of “a reconversion of the ministers and laborers” in the cause of the third angel’s message, has been before us. When it was decided to hold this institute, much anxiety was felt that all should be accomplished by it which the Lord designed. Having read of the excellent institutes held in other places, fervent petitions were offered that this institute might be indeed a spiritual uplift in our work in the Pacific Union Conference.

As the institute is now closed, I am happy to say the Lord has greatly blessed the daily instruction on the ministry and the need of the Spirit of God to do real service in his cause. The instruction given by Sister E. G. White and by Brethren A. G. Daniells and G. B. Thompson and by our home laborers has been earnest because accompanied by the Spirit of the Lord. It has resulted in confession of hindrances to efficient work, and in such consecration to God as will, when carried out in the future labors of the ministry, be an uplift to the church, and lead to an ingathering of souls for the kingdom. As the workers return to their fields of labor, relying upon the power of the Lord to make their labors more efficient, we hope to see new life in the work of the third angel’s message in the Pacific Union Conference. That this may be so let us earnestly pray.

J. N. Loughborough.

A Forward Movement

It was my privilege to attend only a part of the institute that just closed in Los Angeles. I have been much pleased with the broad and liberal spirit manifested in the teaching of the instructors and workers in this institute. I believe it will result, under the blessing of God, in a forward movement toward the kingdom.

W. M. Healey.

A Call to Consecration

I believe the ministerial institute just closed will prove invaluable to the ministry on this coast. There was given to the ministry, especially the younger ministers, a new view of the sacred calling of those who labor in word and doctrine. Their work is wholly constructive. They should not become entangled with the cares of the world, in investments in realty, property, mines, or other things. It was clearly developed from the Word of God that he who would serve in such a holy calling should be fully surrendered to God, and the new life received from him wholly consecrated to him for undivided service.

The silken thread woven throughout the entire institute web was a greater personal acquaintance with the Lord as a personal Saviour, and a more thorough knowledge of his Word, in view of the soon coming of Christ and the great message due the world.

H. W. Cottrell.

A Vision of Heavenly Things

The ministerial institute just closed in Los Angeles was an occasion full of blessings to those in attendance.

At times we, like Jonah, heard the arousement, “What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God;” and

we awoke, as did Jacob. “And behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed.”

And there were times when we all seemed to be standing at the Jordan, close to Jesus, when “he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

In the light of the daily studies, faithful heart-searching revealed many things to be cut out of our daily life-work, that more time might be given to study, to prayer, and to individual ministry.

The daily lessons on the ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, the bestowal and reception of the Holy Spirit, with the practical instruction regarding evangelistic and pastoral work, have revived in many hearts a degree of hope, faith, and courage, and a determination for deeper study and deeper consecration, that promise much in personal experience and in fruitful ministry.

W. C. White.

Of More Value Than Gold

The Saviour recognized the benefits to be received by his workers through their meeting together, and commanded them to “come ye yourselves apart . . . and rest awhile.” Such occasions were not to be seasons of idleness, but a time when motives could be scrutinized, when methods of labor might be compared, when the nature of their mission should be carefully considered, when they would come close to the heart of the Master and could ask his counsel, and when, by prayer, study, and humbling of soul, they would be prepared for future labors.

Such an opportunity has been afforded by the ministerial institute recently held in Los Angeles, Cal. The studies on the gospel ministry, setting forth the sacredness of this holy calling, and the instruction given as to how to make the ministry more effective, were of great value. The lessons on the Holy Spirit were very practical, and led to deep searching of heart and humbling of soul, that this mighty Helper might be received and remain with us till the end.

We feel that this institute has been of more value than all the gold of California. We are expecting a new life and power to attend the giving of the message in the Pacific Union Conference. It is with deep gratitude that we remember the blessings received at this ministerial institute.

Elders Daniells and Thompson bore the burden of institute instruction. Although worn with their continuous round of labor, their message, as already stated, was given with power and clearness. Without excitement or sensation, the word was spoken with power, and the Spirit used it in sending conviction of sin, in witnessing to divine righteousness, in awakening new desires, and in implanting in every heart stronger purposes to live for God and to labor more earnestly for his cause.

Sister White spoke twice during the institute. Her earnest words called for new and deep consecration to God. The value of a practical Christianity, and especially the necessity of strengthening the family bonds of love and unity, was emphasized. These messages from the servant of the Lord were greatly appreciated, and contributed in no small degree to the forward movement witnessed at this institute.

Elders J. O. Corliss, E. E. Andross, Charles Thompson, K. C. Russell, E. W. Farnsworth, and others contributed to the evening preaching services.

Following the institute, the Pacific Union Conference begins its session. Of this we shall speak at another time.

F. M. W.