PROMPTLY at 5 P. M., April 28, about sixty enthusiastic students and members of the faculty assembled in the large, pleasant chapel of the Clinton German Seminary for the opening meeting of the canvassers’ institute. The great problem as to how the work is to be done seemed to have at least a partial answer as we looked into the earnest faces of these sturdy young men and women. Bookmen and faculty had prayed that the Lord of the harvest would “send forth laborers into his harvest;” and here was the answer.
The classes were quickly organized, and grew every day. Not only were those present who had never canvassed before, but the old pioneers also attended almost every meeting. The first session was good; but as the feast progressed, the Lord gave us better wine.
CANVASSERS AT THE CLINTON (MO.) INSTITUTE
After counsel with Prof. G. A. Grauer, a regular time each day was set apart for the institute, and no other meetings were allowed to encroach. This was appreciated very much. Besides the regular session each day, several evening meetings were held, that the brethren living outside the school home might attend. The chapel periods were also thrown open to us, and occupied by Elder E. T. Russell, and Brethren Cochran, Limerick, Wilson, and the writer.
We attribute the excellent interest largely to the splendid cooperation of the faculty, not only during the institute, but throughout the entire year. A band of forty-one was organized in January, and held regular meetings each week. These exercises were conducted during the chapel period, thus keeping the importance of the work constantly before the entire school.
We are sure many will be in the book work during the vacation who would not have entered it if these meetings had not been held. The pointed talks given by the president of the school, from time to time during the school year, also created a desire in the hearts of the students to take up the work of circulating our literature during vacation.
The spirit of consecration was marked; and the fact that about ninety-five per cent of the book workers are taking “Great Controversy” and “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” is an index of the spiritual condition of the seminary. I never saw young men and women with higher aims in what they expect to do for God. They are impelled by a burning purpose to accomplish much during vacation.
As we looked into the faces of these bright German youth, with their strength of mind and muscle, and their willingness to spend and be spent, we felt that many sin-darkened souls would have the light of the third angel’s message brought to their doors before vacation was over. These young workers are expecting much from God, and intend to labor earnestly in his service.
As bookmen we have pledged ourselves to give these students all the help possible in the field; and when they return to the Seminary, it will doubtless be with greater strength of muscle, mind, and heart, and with a consciousness of having done much to place present truth in the homes of the people.
