Close of the Knoxville Ministerial Institute
By Arthur G. Daniells
THOSE who have read the report of the beginning of the Knoxville Ministerial Institute, will be glad of a word regarding the closing part of that important meeting. A few who could not get to the institute at the beginning came later, so the total enrolment reached seventy-seven, nearly all of whom were ministers or Bible workers. Most of them remained to the close, and held steadily to the program of earnest study. The following statement was presented at the closing meeting as an expression of the feelings of those in attendance:— In this, the closing meeting of the Knoxville Ministerial Institute, we esteem it a pleasure to unitedly express our deep gratitude to God for granting us the privilege of attending this institute. Our study of the third angel's message in its various phases has greatly enlarged our understanding of the meaning of this message, and strengthened our hold upon it. Our study of the great field we are to work, and of the best methods to be pursued in doing the work, has encouraged us to press on with zeal and energy. Our study of the Word regarding the Holy Spirit sent by our Lord to give efficiency to our labors, has brought to our hearts new inspiration and hope. We would that all our workers throughout this country might be granted the privileges we have enjoyed, and we earnestly request the General Conference to arrange to hold another ministerial institute for the Southland within a reasonable time. Personally, I feel sure that the Knoxville Ministerial Institute will prove to be a great blessing to our workers and our cause in the South. It brought us all together for Bible study, counsel, and prayer for three weeks. It brought the workers into closer touch with one another, and strengthened the bonds of Christian brotherhood. It gave us new and larger views of the message, and increased our desire to study the Word. It is not too much to say that this meeting will mark a new era in the ministry of many who were present. In the testimonies that were borne from time to time, many expressed their determination to turn their minds and hearts to the more truly spiritual side of our great work, and to devote themselves as never before to earnest endeavors to win souls to Christ. The work before us is great, and it will not be accomplished by force of numbers, but by the agency of the Holy Spirit working in and through the workers. The Lord has wrought in mighty power through humble men in the past, and he is just as willing to manifest himself through his servants to-day in the closing work of the gospel. The baptism of spiritual power awaits every laborer, and for this refreshing we shall most earnestly pray. A. G. DANIELLS.