The Ministerial Institute at Keene, Tex.
By G. B. Thompson
The conference session and ministerial institute for the Southwestern Union Conference were held at Keene, Tex., February 1-14. The time from February 3 to 10 was devoted entirely to the work of the institute. The attendance was quite large. Practically all the workers in the union were present, and entered most heartily into the work of the institute. Members of the church at Keene attended most of the daily studies. In addition to this, the faculty of Keene Academy arranged the work in the school in such a way that the students were permitted to attend nearly all the studies during the entire institute. This made a very large daily attendance. During the evening services and on the Sabbath every seat in the large church was occupied. From the beginning of the institute, the blessing of the Lord was present in a very marked manner. Many publicly testified that it was the best meeting they had ever been privileged to attend. A spirit of deep heart-searching took hold upon all. As the exalted character of the work in which we are engaged was studied, and the holy and sacred calling of the gospel ministry was emphasized by Elder A. G. Daniells, a new vision of the responsibilities of the work was received. The instruction given was along the same lines as in the former institutes, and the same excellent spirit which had attended similar gatherings in other unions was present in this meeting. And there was an encouraging and ready response upon the part of all the laborers present. All realized their need of greater efficiency in soul-winning work, and felt greatly reproved for that lack of zeal and consecration which should be seen in the lives of those who claim to be giving the last gospel call that the human family will ever hear. At one of the early morning meetings, without any special call, almost the entire body of workers came forward in a consecration service. This meeting occupied the greater part of the forenoon. As testimonies were given of a fuller surrender to the work of God than ever before, the blessed peace and joy of the Holy Spirit filled all our hearts. The Holy Spirit revealed a deplorable dearth, and created a thirst for deeper drafts of spiritual power. The Lord gave us a new vision of his work, and our responsibility in connection with it. It is a vision of the needs of the world that has moved so many of our dear people to give their lives to this work. Parents have given their children, and the children have laid themselves on the altar. But the work is enlarging, and our responsibilities are increasing. We must climb up to greater heights, where the horizon of our vision will be extended. The Lord in a very distinct manner laid upon his servants a new and greater burden for souls. Many felt that they had grieved God by carrying too little burden for the lost. All felt that they must be anointed with a new power that as they returned to their fields they might13be able to gather in more souls for the Master. Definite and permanent victories were gained, such victories as mark a new experience in the lives of those who obtain them. The pivotal point in the matter of receiving the Holy Spirit for service is found in our entire and unconditional surrender to God. There can be no substitute for this. We can not even substitute prayer for surrender. It will not suffice to pray instead of surrendering. We must do this thing. Nothing can be withheld. The key to every closet in the heart must be turned over to the Lord. Self will make almost any concession, permit us to give up many things, almost everything, if it can only be permitted to retain something and live. Many expressed the thought that we had come to a new era in the work of the message, and that this meeting marked a distinct crisis in the lives of all who attended it. This is no doubt true. The Southwestern Union is a large field, and contains great possibilities for the spread of the message. As devoted, consecrated, self-sacrificing workers are found here as anywhere. As they return to their fields of labor with renewed courage to press the battle to the gate, we believe that their labors will be fruitful in gathering in souls for the heavenly garner. It was inspiring to see so many young people attending the institute and deeply interested in this work. The Keene Academy is filled with an excellent class of students. The molding influence of the school is seen from year to year in the intellectual, moral, and social development and culture of the students. From this school a large number of consecrated young people have gone forth to fill places of responsibility in the work of God. Some are laboring in foreign lands. Others are laying plans to enter the Foreign Mission Seminary, preparatory to devoting their lives to the great work which lies before us in heathen darkness, where millions are waiting for the gospel. The Keene school is doing a good work, and should receive the loyal support of all. Elder G. F. Watson was reelected president, and but few changes were made in other officers. It was a very harmonious and progressive session.