THE WORK AT UNION COLLEGE.
By B. G. Wilkinson
WITHOUT doubt the families and churches of the twenty States and Territories that are represented in Union College this year will read with interest of the progress of the work. The favorable signs present at the opening of the school have continued. From the first there has been a steady increase in attendance, until at the present time the enrollment has reached about four hundred and fifty. Students are still coming, so the prospects indicate that the year's total enrollment will be about five hundred. The prosperity of the college is not confined to numbers, however. From the first, there has been a marked and constant growth in the spiritual life of the school. The day before Thanksgiving the Spirit of God indicated that it was a day to put away lessons, and seek the Lord. About forty or fifty students gave their hearts to God for the first time, while many renewed their consecration. At the close of the service, one brother, who had been acquainted with the college since its foundation, and who is now a minister in the field, remarked that he should always think of Union College in a different light. He said that never before had the Spirit of God been present in such a manner and with such results. From that time until the week of prayer the good work kept deepening. The college board arranged to have help from the outside for the week of prayer. During the first three days Brother W. S. Sadler, of Chicago, was with us. He labored both publicly and privately for the students. His general lessons, as well as those on the Chicago Mission, were much appreciated, and did much good. Elder Luther Warren helped in the work the remainder of the week. His message on the power of God to keep from sin brought much light to the students, and many by faith claimed the victory. With but few exceptions the students surrendered to God, pledging themselves to his work. The forenoon recitation work of the school is divided into six periods. Midway, with three periods on each side, there is set apart a time, varying from twenty to thirty minutes, in which the students have prayer-meetings. Any one entering the building at that time would hear the voice of prayer and songs of thanksgiving. This prayer season is one of great blessing, as the students have testified many times. Many are then strengthened for service. The students' social meeting, held each Friday evening, with live, ringing testimonies, is regarded by many as the best occasion of the week. Over a hundred students are on their feet at once, awaiting an opportunity to testify. The school work is also moving forward satisfactorily. The students are doing solid work. Many are preparing to enter the field at the close of the school year. We expect a large class of canvassers, church school teachers, and general workers to engage in the work. At present the demand upon the college for workers is greater than the supply. We would especially request young men and women who are looking forward to entering the ministry or the Bible work to write us concerning their plans, that we may become acquainted with such persons. Union College is giving special attention to preparing workers for the ministry. While we realize that much yet remains to be done in order to meet the Lord's mind, we certainly feel grateful for the manifestations of God's favor. And we ask our brethren and sisters in the field, whose deep sympathies we know are with us, to remember us at the throne of grace.