p. 24 | The Philadelphia Institute by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 16, 1911

The Philadelphia Institute

By Arthur G. Daniells

At the last autumn council of the General Conference Committee, a memorial was presented by the Atlantic Union Conference, reading, in part, as follows:—

“In view of the very urgent calls which are coming to us in the East to enter the large cities without delay, and to proclaim the truths of the message, and knowing well that our ministry, which is expected to do this work, feels altogether unequal to the task without special preparation; we, therefore, would request the General Conference to appoint in the East, the coming winter, a ministerial institute, which will include in its plan the Atlantic Union Conference.”

In harmony with this request, the General Conference Committee recommended that such an institute be held, and arrangements have been made by the Atlantic and the Columbia union conferences to hold a ministerial institute in Philadelphia, April 12-30.

There are important reasons why such an institute should be held at this time. As indicated in the memorial, there is a call for a great forward movement in proclaiming the message in the East, and especially in the large centers of population.

The messages which have been sent to us concerning this work have rolled a stupendous burden upon us, which we can not and would not evade, but which requires a thoroughly trained force of workers, and careful organization and co-operation. Above all, we need a great uplifting, and that gift of power which can come only from an outpouring of the blessed Spirit of God upon the gospel ministry.

It has been many years since our ministry has enjoyed the benefits of a ministerial institute. Other departments have held many institutes and conventions, and their work has been greatly benefited and built up as the result. But the gospel ministry, which stands at the head of all Christian work, and includes all other lines, has not had the benefits which may be derived from such seasons of united prayer and study.

During the days of his earthly ministry, Jesus set us an example in this matter. For three years and a half he taught his disciples both by precept and example before he gave to them the commission to go into “all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” And when he was leaving them, he said, “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

The great ingathering of souls during the days which followed the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, was a sequel to the preparation the disciples received in communing with one another and with God.

The ministerial institute in Philadelphia should mark a new era in the history of the message in the East. We earnestly invite all our conferences in the Atlantic and Columbia unions to send a large delegation to this institute. No minister nor Bible worker can afford to be absent, and no conference can afford to keep its laborers at home if they can reasonably be spared at this time. Let us unite in earnest prayer for the success of this meeting.

A. G. DANIELLS.