A MIDNIGHT GLORY by M. Bessie DeGraw

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 30, 1901

A MIDNIGHT GLORY.

By M. Bessie DeGraw

This was the expression used by Elder Daniells during the progress of a most interesting session of the Educational Conference, Sunday evening, July 14.

From the opening of the Conference on the 10th, the interest and attendance gradually increased. Every day, as the topics for discussion were considered, it seemed that a clearer view was obtained of those great underlying evils which have been sapping the vitality from the denomination in the past. The discussion of the subject, “Schools for Our Children and Youth,” made plain the fact that God’s blessing in its fullness can be experienced only when, as a denomination, we take up a long-neglected duty and educate our children for the kingdom.

It was found that the memory period of childhood, those years when the child has strong faith, is the divinely appointed time for the teaching of the word of God.

Elder A. T. Jones gave excellent studies on the value of the word of God in the development of faith, and Sabbath was a day long to be remembered. The morning sermon was by Elder Jones. He spoke upon the thought found in 1 Peter 2:9: “Ye are . . . a royal priesthood.” He dwelt upon the change of garments necessary in order to become priests (Ex. 29:29); the anointing, which was the next step, signifying the baptism of the Spirit, which follows the removal of our garments of unrighteousness (Zechariah 3; John 1:16; Psalm 133); and the service which priesthood enjoins. Every man who is a priest will, according to the Lord’s definition, have “his hands filled with the service of the Lord.” This is consecration.

The talk was a quiet one, and the Spirit of God brooded upon the congregation. The hearts of fathers in the congregation turned instantly to their sons, young men who had known the truth, but who are wandering in the ways of the world. One by one the young people asked special prayer for brothers and sisters who were wandering, and for other young people who ought to have the training this summer for school work in the fall. With tears and earnest supplication the mercy of God was sought. It was felt by all that the time had come for action. The work continued in the afternoon.

Sunday the financial side of the school work was discussed. The need of consecrating the last cent and of making definite plans for the permanent support of the schools was urged.

It had been suggested during the day that there were many church school teachers absent from the Conference because they lacked means to meet the expense. Should ministers have their expenses met by the Conferences, while the teachers pay their own way? Many had taught for the lowest wages, and in some cases had not received all their pay; should they be expected to pay their own transportation? These and kindred questions agitated the minds of the ministers.

Elders Spicer, Jones, and Daniells, and others, spoke in behalf of the teachers and the need of means to carry forward the work to-day. The foreign fields are dying for laborers, but the foreign fields cannot be supplied until the training in the home field is what it should be. Christ cannot come until the world is warned. The warning of the world depends upon the education of workers in our schools. How can we hesitate?

The meeting grew more intense. Elder Covert announced that he knew of a fund from which to meet the expenses of those Wisconsin teachers who should be at the Conference. On motion of Elder Spicer, a collection in cash and pledges was at once taken to help defray traveling expenses. One hundred dollars was raised in a few minutes. This was the beginning. A committee was appointed to formulate plans for the substantial support and permanent organization of the church schools. It was this meeting which Elder Daniells described as a “Midnight Glory,” for it bespoke the beginning of better times. Further reports of plans will appear later.

A large number of letters have been mailed to those who have been teaching church schools and who were unable to attend the summer school, telling them of the opening of the way before them. Some who have taught, or who have ability to teach after a brief training, may be overlooked in this correspondence. It is the wish of the Lake Union Conference and of the Educational Department of the General Conference that all should be reached at once. If this applies to you, do not delay to write for particulars.

M. BESSIE DEGRAW.

Berrien Springs, Mich.