Good News From Our Canvassers’ Institutes
By E. R. PALMER
FROM all parts of the United States the most cheering reports are being received of the interest taken in canvassers’ conventions and institutes. Without exception, the testimony thus far has been, “We are holding one of the largest and most enthusiastic conventions we have known of for years. Conference officers, school managers, and all are doing their utmost to make the work a success.” It does our hearts good to hear such reports as this. At the present time, Brethren H. H. Hall and G. Phillips are holding institutes in the North Pacific Union Conference. We take the liberty of quoting a few words from an informal, personal letter, written by Brother Hall, concerning the institute being held at Walla Walla College, College Place, Wash. He says:— “When at the union conference at Portland, we arranged for three institutes in this Northwest. The one here [Walla Walla College] began a week ago last Monday. Three or four of us talked to the students during chapel exercises, and invited those who desired to join our classes to meet us. Forty-five came in response to this first call. We were surprised. *The class has grown till we now have fifty-five, and all are very enthusiastic. I have over thirty in the ‘Heralds of the Morning’ class, and the way they are taking hold would surprise you. Yesterday morning when we began (we have the regular chapel period, and all the members of the class come instead of going to chapel), the students kept coming into our room so that we had to send for chairs several times. And finally the president, Professor Cady, came in. He wanted to know what was happening. We excused all who were not members of the class, but they went away reluctantly. The co-operation we have had from the college management has been deeply appreciated. Without it, we could not expect any such experience. Our ‘Great Controversy’ class numbers about twenty-two, and they are substantial young people.” In referring to the institutes being held in the Northern Union Conference, he writes:— “In the Northern Union, where we now have a full corps of State agents, the institutes have been doing creditable work. A letter just received from the union conference agent, Brother J. S. James, says that at Elk Point, S. D., where they are holding an institute, there are thirty taking up large books, twelve of whom are preparing to sell ‘Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.’ At their North Dakota institute about twenty prepared for the work.” These are very cheering reports, and they are only two out of many received during the past few days. Our union conference agents are of good courage. The Lord is blessing them with a courageous spirit and with much confidence. The State agents and canvassers are catching the enthusiasm, and we confidently expect substantial results during the present season. May the Lord greatly bless these self-sacrificing workers for him. E. R. PALMER.